'Not gone to any queen school' Princess Ingrid Alexandra in candid first interview
PRINCESS INGRID ALEXANDRA confessed she sometimes wonders "how a completely different life would have been" had she not been born a prominent member of the Royal Family - but is ready to prepare for her future as a Queen of Norway.
King Harald of Norway sends Christmas message
The princess took part in her first-ever TV interview ahead of her 18th birthday on Friday. In it, Ingrid Alexandra, the first female heir to the Norwegian throne, conceded she has sometimes wondered how different her life would have been outside of the Royal Family.
However, she stressed, she is very "grateful" for her destiny.
Asked if she has ever thought she does not want to be Queen, Ingrid Alexandra said: "I am very grateful for the opportunity I have, and think that I can do a lot with it.
"You can of course dream away and wonder how a completely different life would have been. I do too.
"However, it is not the life I live, so it is hard to imagine not being in the role I am in.
"I am still young, and it is long until I become queen.
"But it lies a bit in the cards and I intend to do it."
The interview, to be fully released on Friday by NRK, Norway’s state TV channel, also analysed the teenager's relationship with her grandfather - Norway's beloved King Harald.
While speaking of the sovereign, the heir to the throne admitted there isn't a place where to learn the ropes of statesmanship.
READ MORE: Prince Harry: US fans slam security decision 'Sick to my stomach!'
She said: "He has never sat me down and taught me in a way, I have not gone to any queen school.
"However, I learn a lot from him through everything he does and things he talks about.
"And then I think that in our role, the most important thing is not to be told what to do, but rather to make it your own.
"I have a lot of love for Norway."
Princess Ingrid Alexandra was four months old when she made her first palace appearance, in May 2004.
Aged six, the daughter of the future King, Crown Prince Haakon, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit stepped into the international stage by attending the wedding of Sweden's future Queen Crown Princess Victoria as a bridesmaid.
Ingrid Alexandra marked her 18th birthday by taking part for the first time in the council of state in Norway alongside her father and grandfather.
This event marked a first not just for the young royal but also for the Norwegian monarchy, as never before a prince or princess who was not the heir apparent had participated in this official meeting at the royal palace in Oslo.
On the day of her birthday, the princess also held a private meeting with King Harald.
During the audience, the 18-year-old was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of St Olav and the King’s Family Order.
The first honour is a Norwegian order of chivalry instituted by King Oscar I on August 21 1847 to reward individuals for remarkable accomplishments on behalf of the country and humanity.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra's main focus will continue to be on her education for the foreseeable future.
However, she is expected to be undertaking an increasing number of engagements from now on.
In a statement, the Norwegian Royal Court said: "In time, she will receive more official assignments for the Royal House, but the princess will concentrate on her education in the coming years."
Moreover, the heir to the throne has already received her own personal office at the royal palace.