Norway’s New King and a 22-Year-Old Heir Poised to Make History

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Norway’s New King and a 22-Year-Old Heir Poised to Make History

Royals (2 / 1) 01.09.2026 23:06 / Silia


How succession laws changed the game

The 1990 shift to absolute primogeniture—where the eldest child inherits regardless of gender—meant Ingrid Alexandra kept her place even after the birth of her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus. Haakon moved ahead of his sister Princess Märtha Louise because he was born before the law changed. Queen Mette‑Marit’s elder son Marius Borg Høiby is not in the line.

Family strain and royal duties

Ingrid returned from studies at the University of Sydney and is now at the University of Oslo to be closer to home amid her mother’s health struggles. Queen Mette‑Marit had a lung transplant in June and experienced complications, preventing her attendance at the swearing-in. King Harald’s state funeral is scheduled for Sept. 9.