Image Source: BBC
Princess Astrid passing Norway has been announced at the age of 94, just two days after she attended the funeral of her brother, the late King Harald V. The Norwegian royal palace confirmed her death, marking another deeply emotional moment for the country’s royal family.
King Haakon VIII, who recently succeeded his father, paid tribute to his aunt and described her long public life as one of warmth, duty and service. He said Princess Astrid had represented the Royal House in a particularly caring and devoted manner.
Princess Astrid Passing Norway After a Final Public Appearance
Princess Astrid’s final public engagement was the funeral of King Harald V, held in Oslo on Wednesday. She attended the ceremony in a wheelchair and was pictured sitting near her brother’s coffin as members of the royal family and foreign dignitaries gathered to pay their respects.
Harald died last month at the age of 89 after more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne. His funeral attracted dozens of European royals, heads of state and political leaders, including the Prince of Wales and three Nordic kings.
Thousands of people also lined the route from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. Among the international leaders who attended were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and five foreign prime ministers.
A Historic Life of Duty and Public Service
Princess Astrid was the last surviving child of King Olav V, who ruled Norway from 1957 until 1991. She became Norway’s first lady at the age of 22 in 1954, following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha.
King Olav did not remarry, and Astrid retained the role for 14 years. She continued as Norway’s first lady until her brother’s marriage to Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, when the new queen took on the public position.
Although she was not the reigning monarch, Astrid remained an important and familiar figure within the Norwegian royal family. Her public work focused particularly on care, inclusion and support for vulnerable people in society.
Her nephew, King Haakon VIII, highlighted those values in his statement following her death. His tribute reflected the role Princess Astrid played across generations of Norway’s modern monarchy.
Health Concerns Had Increased in Recent Months
The princess’s health had deteriorated in recent months. In March, she received hospital treatment for pneumonia, although she later continued to take part in important royal occasions.
Her appearance at Harald’s funeral was especially significant because it became her final public engagement. The moment carried added poignancy as the family mourned the former king while welcoming a new monarch.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Princess Astrid would be buried at state expense. Flags are also expected to fly at half-mast across Norway as the country honours her life and contribution.
Norway’s Royal Family Faces a Period of Change
Princess Astrid’s death comes during a difficult period for Norway’s royal household. The family has been dealing with both bereavement and controversy during the final months of King Harald’s life.
Earlier this year, documents revealed that Queen Mette-Marit had maintained frequent contact with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She later said she regretted ever meeting the disgraced financier.
The royal family has also faced scrutiny over Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship. Høiby, who is not a royal but grew up within the family, received a four-year prison sentence in June for two counts of rape. He has been under house arrest while appealing the judgment and was allowed to attend King Harald’s funeral.
Against that backdrop, Princess Astrid’s passing represents both a personal loss and the closing of a significant chapter in Norwegian royal history. She was closely connected to the country’s monarchy for more than seven decades, from her childhood as the daughter of King Olav to her final years supporting the royal household.
Her legacy is likely to be remembered through her steady public service, her commitment to vulnerable communities and her ability to provide continuity during periods of change. As Norway mourns, attention will now turn to the state funeral arrangements and the early reign of King Haakon VIII.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Princess Astrid when she died?
Princess Astrid of Norway died at the age of 94.
When did Princess Astrid attend King Harald’s funeral?
She attended her brother King Harald V’s funeral on Wednesday, two days before her death was announced.
What role did Princess Astrid hold in Norway?
Princess Astrid served as Norway’s first lady from 1954 until 1968, after the death of her mother and before her brother’s marriage.
Will Princess Astrid receive a state funeral?
Yes. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said she would be buried at state expense, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.
Who is Norway’s current king?
King Haakon VIII became Norway’s monarch after the death of his father, King Harald V.
