Australian court bans man from contacting Norwegian princess studying in Sydney
9 reported
A 63-year-old man, David James Cook, was banned on Wednesday from contacting Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexander or her family for two years while she studies at a university in Australia. Cook appeared in court where he was issued with a two-year Apprehended Violence Order that prevents him from entering the Sydney University campus, searching the 22-year-old royal online, or contacting her or her family. Such orders are intended to prevent an individual from subjecting another person to acts of violence, intimidation or harassment. Cook told reporters as he left the Newtown Court House that the order stemmed from a card he sent to Ingrid, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne. He stated he sent a card asking for friendship and did not intentionally upset her. Cook was later charged with assaulting a news photographer after his court appearance, with the photographer suffering minor injuries. Cook was released from police custody and will appear in court on July 17 on the assault charge.
What’s reported
A 63-year-old man, David James Cook, was banned from contacting Princess Ingrid Alexander or her family for two years.
The ban includes entering Sydney University campus, searching the princess online, or contacting her or her family.
The order was issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Cook said the order stemmed from a card he sent to Ingrid asking for friendship.
Cook was later charged with assaulting a news photographer after his court appearance; the photographer suffered minor injuries.
Cook will appear in court on July 17 on the assault charge.
Princess Ingrid Alexander is 22 years old and second in line to the Norwegian throne.
She has been living on the university campus in Sydney since arriving last year for a three-year degree in international relations.
She recently left Australia for Norway to visit her mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is seriously ill, according to media reports.
Key figures
David James Cook, 63-year-old man issued with Apprehended Violence Order
Princess Ingrid Alexander, 22-year-old Norwegian princess studying in Sydney
Crown Prince Haakon, father of Princess Ingrid Alexander
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, mother of Princess Ingrid Alexander
Sources: abcnews.com
