The future of European monarchies could well be written in women’s terms. Five princesses are today called to ascend the thrones of Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Belgium. A situation made possible by the progressive adoption of absolute primogeniture, which allows the eldest to inherit the crown regardless of their sex. But who are these five future queens?
Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
At 22, Ingrid Alexandra has just reached a new milestone. Since the death of her grandfather, King Harald, on August 28, she has been second in the line of succession, behind her father, King Haakon.
Raised in Oslo and initially public schooled, she later studied international relations and politics at the University of Sydney. She wanted to continue her studies in Oslo in order to stay close to her mother, Mette-Marit, who had recently had a lung transplant.
Catharina-Amalia from the Netherlands
Eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Catharina-Amalia, 22, is set to become Queen of the Netherlands.
His youth was marked by serious threats. In 2022, fear of a kidnapping or an attack linked to organized crime forced her to leave her student accommodation in Amsterdam. She then lived for some time in Madrid, where the Spanish royal family gave her support.
Leonor of Spain
At only 20 years old, Leonor is actively preparing to succeed her father, Felipe VI. Over the past three years, the Princess of Asturias has undergone training in the army, the navy and then the air force.
This stage completed, she has just started studying political science in Madrid, alongside thousands of other students.
Victoria of Sweden
At 49, Victoria is the most experienced of the five heiresses. She became first in the line of succession after the 1980 introduction of absolute primogeniture in Sweden, ahead of her younger brother Carl Philip.
Very present in the activities of the monarchy for around thirty years, she is married to Daniel Westling, her former sports coach. Their daughter Estelle, 14, is herself called to reign after her mother.
Elizabeth of Belgium
At 24 years old, Élisabeth of Belgium already has a solid career. After military training, King Philip’s eldest daughter studied history and politics at Oxford before continuing her training in public policy at Harvard.
Returning to Belgium this summer after her stay in the United States, the Duchess of Brabant is now gradually prepared for the responsibilities that await her one day at the head of the kingdom.
