Next generation: (Standing, from left) Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium. (Seated, from left) Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Prince Charles of Luxembourg at Ingrid Alexandra’s 18th birthday party in 2022
LISE ASERUD/Getty Images
A similar approach is taken throughout Europe. Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 22, who is second in line to the throne behind her father Crown Prince Haakon, is studying at the University of Sydney after completing her one year military training course. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, 48, who will succeed her father Carl XVI Gustaf, also balanced time in the armed forces with a formal education, and will no doubt look to replicate the model with her eldest daughter and heir, 14-year-old Princess Estelle.
Could the Prince and Princess of Wales use a similar blueprint when it comes to structuring Prince George‘s education? Perhaps. William and Catherine will soon announce where their eldest son will complete his secondary education (money is on his mother’s alma mater, Marlborough College, or Eton, his father’s old school), which will play a hugely influential part in shaping him as a young man – and future King. Then there will be the question of university and/or military training, which has traditionally been integral to the life and service of the British royal family.