3 out of 4 young people support the monarchy – NRK Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
The Norwegian royal family is popular. A survey from 2017 shows that eight out of ten Norwegians wanted to keep the monarchy, and that it was the youngest who were most positive about keeping the form of government.
Friday 21. January Princess Ingrid Alexandra turns 18. She and the rest of the family tend to be very popular among her peers.
On behalf of NRK, Norstat has asked 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20 about their relationship with the monarchy.
Of those surveyed, 76 per cent answer that they still want Norway to be a monarchy, while 9 per cent say they want another form of government, such as a republic.
Trur Ingrid Alexandra will be queen
Young people NRK has spoken to in connection with the survey, say they have an impression that the royal family does a good job, and represents Norway in a good way abroad.
– I am very happy that we have a monarchy, and could not imagine another form of government. I also think it’s nice that we have a king and a queen, says Ine Andreassen in Tromsø.
At the same time, several of the young people think that the monarchy is a somewhat strange form of government, which puts a stop to what the royal doctors can say and do.
But even though it is a bit up and down, 81 percent of those surveyed believe that we still have a monarchy when Princess Ingrid Alexandra will one day become queen.
– Yes, I’m pretty sure. The monarchy has lasted a long time, and I do not think there will be such big changes in such a short time, says Oline Bjerke Grimnes from Gjøvik.
Good news for the royal family
The Norwegian royal family has been popular over time, and the royal doctors have emerged as unifying figures. It is therefore not surprising that it scores so well, also among young people, says political scientist Peter Egge Langsæther.
– There have not been any major ideological debates around the royal family in recent years. Nor have our major scandals damaged our reputation. So this is good news for the royal family.
But even though the royal doctors are popular now, they still have a job to do if today’s princess is to become queen one day.
– It is not obvious that the good support will continue. They can not take it for granted. It depends on the people, and that they are perceived as good representatives, says Langsæther.
No dream of becoming royal
If Princess Ingrid Alexandra one day becomes queen, she will do a good job, thinks Elise Malstenbråten, who is studying technology and industry and makes videos on TikTok.
– I want Ingrid Alexandra as queen because she seems to be very tough and has courage. And I think I’m very good. And then I think it’s good that we have a heir to the throne who is a woman.
Ahmad Marofkhel, who came to Norway alone as a minor refugee four years ago, agrees.
– I think Princess Ingrid Alexandra will be a good queen. She seems very kind and good, I think.
But being royal, with all the duties and attention it brings, is not a particularly attractive job among those who are at the princess’ age now.
Over 60 percent in the survey answer that they could not imagine being king or queen.
– No, I could not imagine becoming queen. I like my life as it is, to have the opportunity to choose. I think I can do as I want, avoid having formal meetings and can travel where I want and say what I want, says Synne Bjørklund in Tromsø.