Norway’s Princess Astrid has died aged 94, just two days after attending the state funeral of her brother, the late King Harald V.
The Norwegian Royal Court said she died peacefully on Friday, 11 September, following a period of poor health. King Harald died at Oslo University Hospital on 28 August, aged 89.
Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo were lowered to half-mast again after the announcement. The measure will also be observed on the day of Princess Astrid’s funeral.
King Haakon VIII described his aunt as a loyal and committed member of the royal family who had supported King Harald throughout his reign.
“Aunt Astrid was an important source of support for King Harald and for the rest of us in the family,” the King said in a statement released by the court. “We learned a great deal from her, and she was never afraid to speak her mind. Her passing is a great loss to us. We will miss her.”
He also praised her “dedication, presence and an infectious sense of humour”, adding that she had represented the Norwegian Royal House with warmth and a strong sense of duty.
Princess Astrid became a senior figure in the monarchy at the age of 22, when she took on the role of first lady after the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, in 1954. She continued to carry out official engagements after Crown Princess Sonja assumed the role in 1968.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre paid tribute to the princess, saying he remembered her as a “skilled, dedicated and committed representative” of the royal family. He said his most recent meeting with her had been at King Harald’s funeral, where she attended services at Oslo Cathedral and the Palace Chapel.
Princess Astrid was fitted with a pacemaker in May but continued to undertake royal duties. She was the mother of five children and had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Norwegian government said she would receive a funeral at state expense, following an agreement with her family.
