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I don't really see how Ingrid-Alexandra's husband is supposed to assume the role of First Lady/Gentleman. In Sonja's case she took over as the 'leading woman' at court from her sister-in-law Astrid in support of king Olav (the 'leading man' at court). In Ingrid-Alexandra's case, she herself would be the leading woman if her mother is not able to take that spot once her father becomes king (and her grandmother is no longer active either). So her husband would the 'second gentleman' behind king Haakon but not the first.I think you make good points. And given the longetivity of King Olav and his wife's relatives, as well as the present King's earnest work ethic, there may not be a significant gap between the oldest generation's departure and Princess Ingrid Alexandra assuming her full-time duties.
But her consort, unless she marries quite young or her mother's health unexpectedly improves, is likely to be required to step into a full-time role with little time for transition, and probably even, as Sonja did, assume the role of First Lady (Gentleman) immediately upon marriage.
Another scenario is that Norway becomes a republic.
We do not have a tradition of nobility. The monarchy has always been "slim". Most Norwegians love the monarchy, but it is expected that the monarchy is not pompous. Many think the Norwegian monarchy looks more like a republic than a real monarchy. We have a strong mentality like "do what you want to do", "marry who you want to", "live your life like you want to", equal rights etc. Maybe Ingrid Alexandra does not want to become Queen. Maybe she will call for a republic. Who knows.
The way Ingrid Alexandra presented herself at her confirmation to me showed that she is very well aware of the responsibility on her shoulders and willing to take it on. Of course, she might have doubts at times but she seems prepared to one day become the crown princess and later on a reigning queen.
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