MELBOURNE, Australia — An Australian court issued a restraining order Wednesday against a 63-year-old man, prohibiting him from contacting Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexander or her relatives for the next two years while she pursues her education at a Sydney university.
David James Cook faced court proceedings where he received an Apprehended Violence Order lasting two years, which bars him from stepping foot on Sydney University grounds, conducting online searches about the 22-year-old royal, or reaching out to her or her family members.
These protective orders are designed to shield individuals from violent acts, threatening behavior, or persistent harassment.
Speaking to media outside the Newtown Court House in Sydney, Cook explained that the legal action resulted from correspondence he mailed to Ingrid, who holds the position of second heir to Norway’s throne.
“I sent her a card just asking for friendship, that’s all,” Cook stated to Nine News television. He continued: “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 hearing, Cook faced additional charges for attacking a news photographer. Police confirmed the photographer sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Authorities released Cook from custody, and he is scheduled to return to court July 17 to face the assault charges.
The princess has resided on the Sydney university campus since arriving in Australia the previous year to pursue a three-year academic program in international relations.
According to media accounts, the daughter of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently traveled back to Norway to be with her mother, who is facing a serious illness.
