A 63-year-old man has been prohibited from contacting Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexander or her family for two years, following a court order issued on Wednesday as she pursues her studies at a university in Australia.
David James Cook appeared at Newtown Courthouse in Sydney, where magistrates imposed a two-year Apprehended Violence Order (AVO). This legal measure bars him from entering the Sydney University campus, searching for the 22-year-old royal online, or contacting her or her relatives. Such orders are designed to prevent individuals from subjecting others to acts of violence, intimidation, or harassment.
Speaking to reporters after leaving the courthouse, Cook, a resident of the Sydney suburb of Glebe, explained that the order originated from a card he sent to Ingrid, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne. 'I sent her a card just asking for friendship, that's all,' Cook told Nine News television. He added: 'I did not intentionally upset her in any way and I wouldn't do so. She's a nice person. I bumped into her at an event and I followed up with the card.'
Following his court appearance, Cook was charged with assaulting a news photographer. According to a police statement, the photographer sustained minor injuries. Cook was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 17 to face the assault charge.
Princess Ingrid Alexander has been residing on the Sydney University campus since arriving in Australia last year to pursue a three-year degree in international relations. The daughter of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently left Australia to visit her mother, who is reportedly seriously ill, according to media reports.
