Documenting a New Royal Chapter: Princess Ingrid Alexandra in Sydney
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
The Princess arrived dressed like many students of her age, wearing a jumper, jeans, and sneakers. She was incredibly gracious and seemed very down-to-earth. 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 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.
The images were released by the Royal Court and featured across selected international media, including:
The Royal House of Norway Official Website | Tatler | The Royal News | Hello Magazine | People | Royal Central UK | New My Royals | 9Honey Au | 7News Au | News Au| Daily Telegraph | Women’s Weekly
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
