Official Royal Commission: Princess Ingrid Alexandra
Official Royal Commission - Raquel Pires Photography was officially commissioned to photograph Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway during her arrival and academic transition in Sydney. All images are the exclusive copyright of Raquel Pires Photography.
Memories of a Princess — by Raquel Pires
When the enquiry first landed in my email, the briefing described something routine in nature and perfectly aligned with what I usually do: a lifestyle documentary-style portrait session. It read:
“This won’t be a big photoshoot. The photographer will simply need to tag along for a couple of hours to capture a few documentary-style images, alongside a couple of posed portraits.”
The photographs would take place on the University of Sydney campus and at the Sydney Opera House, documenting the beginning of a new chapter. No elaborate production. No performance.
With one significant exception: the young woman to be photographed was Princess Ingrid Alexandra, second in line to the Norwegian throne.
The briefing concluded with a sentence that stayed with me for days:
“These images will likely be used around the world and will also carry significant historical value.”
Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the University of Sydney. Photo: Raquel Pires Photography / The Royal Court
I paused for a moment. Not only because of the honour of the invitation, but because of the responsibility it carried.
I have always believed that photographs are memories — fragments of time — often our most valuable personal treasure. This time, I was not only documenting someone’s personal story, but a moment that would, in some way, become a shared history and part of the official archive images used by the Royal House of Norway.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the Opera House and the University of Sydney. Photo: Raquel Pires Photography / The Royal Court
At first glance, her look mirrored that of many students her age. Yet there was a quiet intention behind the simplicity. The jumper she wore was by Lisa Yang, a Swedish brand recognised for its refined cashmere and understated, minimalist approach to quiet luxury.
Fashion editor Ida Elise Eide Einarsdóttir, from KK, has previously noted that this balance — everyday silhouettes paired with elevated materials — reflects a more mature, effortless aesthetic, where luxury is felt rather than displayed. The moment translated visually as presence over performance.
The encounter unfolded naturally. She was calm, curious, and genuinely interested in understanding the cultural context that awaited her in Australia. There was no performance — only presence.
I do not hide the fact that it was a major assignment to receive. She was incredibly kind and very down-to-earth. We connected by talking about art, which she showed great interest in. It was a fantastic opportunity to photograph Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and she seemed to be enjoying Sydney and was enthusiastic about her studies.
"I am looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney. Being a student will be exciting, and I look forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international affairs. I am confident that I will learn a great deal," the Princess said.
This assignment came through my work in the corporate and institutional field, via my other photography label, Corporate Smile.
Over the years, I have collaborated with European diplomatic institutions, including the Swedish Embassy and Chamber of Commerce, which also led to the opportunity to photograph the Crown couple of Sweden, Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, during an official visit to Sydney in 2023.
Princess Victoria & Prince Daniel at the MCA Sydney/Australia - 2023. Photo: Raquel Pires Photography
These experiences with European royalty reaffirmed something that has always guided my professional journey: whether documenting an intimate wedding or an event of historical significance, my work extends beyond the images themselves — it is about a sensitive approach, presence, and trust.
In this case, I was privileged to be invited to photograph the memories of a Princess.
This official photographic commission resulted in widespread international media coverage, with images credited to Raquel Pires Photography, including:
The Royal House of Norway Official Website | Tatler Magazine| ELLE Magazine | The Royal News | Hello Magazine | People | Royal Central UK | New My Royals | 9Honey Au | 7News Au | News Au| Daily Telegraph | Women’s Weekly | InSide
The official images were further contextualised by Norwegian media, including Se og Hør, which credited the work to Raquel Pires Photography in alignment with the Royal House of Norway.
In an article published by Dagbladet, Norway’s largest digital newspaper, the official photographs were further explored through quotes from Raquel Pires Photography, the photographer commissioned by the Royal House of Norway.
“She was incredibly kind and very down-to-earth. We connected through conversations about art, which she showed great interest in. It was a fantastic opportunity to photograph Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and she appeared to be enjoying Sydney and was enthusiastic about her studies,” Raquel Pires said.
The official press release, issued by the Royal House of Norway, allows editorial use of the images with credit to Raquel Pires Photography as the official photographer who documented Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s arrival in Australia to begin her university studies. Download Here
All the other media related Stuff.NZ, DailyTelegraphy Insta, InStyle, Express UK, Pedestrian TV, GeoNews, Gala, Histories Royales, ModeKoningMax, BilledBladet, KK, Royal Musings, MSN,
