Palace shares new photos of Princess Ingrid Alexandra ahead of her return to Sydney

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the heir to Norway's throne, has appeared in a number of new official photos, taken in Sydney where she is a full-time student, to mark her birthday.

The princess celebrated her 22nd birthday on January 21.

Four photos were shared by Norway's Royal House days before she embarks on her first ever solo tour ahead of her return to Australia next month.

The princess is expected to arrive back in Sydney sometime in February as her brother Marius Borg Høiby faces trial on charges of rape and assault in Oslo.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra moved to Australia in late July to begin a three-year bachelor's degree in social science, specialising in international relations and political economy, at the University of Sydney.

In November, she gave an interview to NRK – Norway's national broadcaster – and said "Sydney was the right choice for me".

"I'm enjoying it incredibly well – it's a beautiful city, and there's a lot to discover."

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The newly-shared birthday photos were taken around Sydney including outside the Opera House and at Taronga Zoo. The princess visited the zoo late last year in support of its animal conservation programs.

Another photo was taken on campus.

The post said: "Today Princess Ingrid Alexandra turns 22! She is currently on 'summer vacation' in Norway, while she is a student every day in Australia."

Princess Ingrid Alexandra returned to Norway for Christmas and had a number of official engagements with her family.

On Sunday she will begin her first solo tour by visiting Finnmark, the northernmost part of Norway.

Across three days, Princess Ingrid Alexandra will travel to Karasjok and Kirkenes meeting with the Indigenous Sami people and learning more about their culture.

She is expected back in Sydney by late February when the new semester begins.

Her departure from Norway will likely come as a relief to the young princess as her family prepares to undergo scrutiny like never before.

The criminal case against her brother has propelled the small monarchy into the global spotlight, taking them from one of the lesser-known royal families to one of the most talked about.

In August 2024, Høiby – the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon – was arrested.

Last year, Oslo's state attorney filed charges against Høiby. He is accused of 32 crimes including domestic abuse and rape, most of which he denies, and faces 10 years in prison if convicted.

The trial will begin on February 3 and run until March 13, in Oslo's District Court.

While King Harald and his wife Queen Sonja, both 88, are not expected to attend the proceedings, the Crown Prince couple are likely to be there.

Høiby was never given a royal title when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, but he grew up as a member of the royal house and was often seen attending engagements with the family.

He and the Crown Prince couple's other two children – including Prince Sverre Magnus – grew up together.

Speaking to NRK in November, Princess Ingrid Alexandra said the situation was "difficult" for her family.

"Of course it's difficult," she said.

"Both for those of us who are around, for me as a sister and for mum and dad. And of course for everyone affected by the case."

In December, the Royal House of Norway also revealed Crown Princess Mette-Marit's lung condition had deteriorated further.

Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, which causes scarring in the lungs and leads to reduced oxygen uptake.

The Royal House said treatment in October was not effective and her medical team had now begun preparations with a view to assess the princess for a lung transplant.

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