Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is the latest royal to express her deepest condolences to Australia and the Jewish community over the Bondi Beach massacre.
The 21-year-old royal, who has been living and studying in Sydney since July, was shocked and saddened by the tragic terrorist attack.
‘My thoughts go out to those who have lost. And especially to the Jewish community – both in Australia and back home in Norway,’ she told Norwegian media outlet TV 2.
‘Sydney is a city that I have grown to love very much, so it is strange and unthinkable that it happened exactly there.’
The royal has become a fixture in the harbour city since July after commencing a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Economy at the University of Sydney.
Throughout the first semester of her studies, Princess Ingrid Alexandra was regularly seen not just around campus and her student accommodation at St Andrew’s College, but also out and about in Sydney.
The future Queen’s wholehearted embrace of the local lifestyle has even seen her adopted by Aussies and affectionately referred to as the ‘Sydney Princess’.
Princess Ingrid had already left Australia and returned to Norway before the Bondi tragedy. She departed Sydney in the first week of December once the university term ended and is spending Christmas at home with her family before returning to Australia to continue her studies.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway expressed her condolences over the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. She is pictured here in Norway on December 16
The princess has been living and studying in Sydney since July. She returned home to Norway in the first week of December to spend the holidays with her family
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s condolence message was among a chorus of royals from around the world responding to the tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 people.
Denmark’s Tasmanian-born Queen Mary and her husband King Frederik shared a heartfelt message to Australia following the Bondi Beach massacre – a place they have often visited on return trips to Mary’s homeland.
‘We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach,’ Queen Mary and King Frederik said.
‘We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community.’
Bondi has long held a special place for the Danish royal family. The royal couple regularly visit the iconic spot with their children – Christian, Isabella, and twins Vincent and Josephine – during family holidays in Australia.
Queen Mary – formerly known as Mary Donaldson – spent 28 years of her life in Australia before moving to the Scandinavian nation and marrying Frederik at Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004.
Their condolences echoed those offered by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who said they stand with the Jewish community following the antisemitic attack.
‘Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach,’ Prince William and Princess Kate said.
Queen Mary and King Frederik have expressed their condolences to Australia and the Jewish community following the Bondi Beach massacre
The reigning Denmark royals shared an official statement expressing their condolences
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
‘We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers.’
King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their horror at the violence.
‘My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach,’ the King said.
‘Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
‘We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
‘In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.’
Australia’s most iconic tourist destination was rocked by a mass shooting on Sunday, December 14 when two men stood on a pedestrian footbridge and opened fire into the crowd.
A makeshift memorial has been established by mourners at Bondi Beach in the aftermath of the tragic shooting that claimed at least 16 lives
Many had gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light, which police believe was the intended target of the massacre. Authorities have officially declared the shooting a terrorist attack.
At least sixteen people, including children, were killed after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Jewish holiday celebration at around 6.40pm on Sunday.
Witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavilion, and opened fire, with footage showing blast after blast on the tourist strip. Some witnesses reported more than 30 shots.
Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer show a gunman opening fire from an elevated bridge using a large rifle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the public on Sunday night following a meeting of the National Security Committee.
‘There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,’ he said.
‘Let me be clear, we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity, where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.
‘At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage. Our agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible as they continue to emerge.’
