Princess Astrid of Norway, the sister of the late King Harald V, died at the age of 94. The royal palace announced her death nine hours after confirming the news. She had attended her brother's funeral two days earlier, marking her final public engagement. Her nephew, the new king Haakon VIII, described her long service to the Royal House. The Norwegian government confirmed she will receive a state funeral with flags at half-mast.
Who was Princess Astrid of Norway?
Princess Astrid was the last surviving child of King Olav V, who reigned from 1957 to 1991. She served as Norway's first lady from 1954 until 1968 after her mother's death, when her father chose not to remarry. She retained the title until her brother King Harald married. Throughout her life she focused on care and inclusion for vulnerable groups in society. King Haakon VIII stated that in her work she was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable.
Her final public role and health
Princess Astrid attended King Harald's funeral earlier in the week. The palace stated her health had declined in recent months. She received hospital treatment for pneumonia in March. King Haakon noted that she had always represented the Royal House with warmth and duty, saying throughout her long life Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. Her attendance at the funeral was her last public engagement.
Official response and funeral arrangements
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Princess Astrid will be buried at state expense. Flags across Norway will fly at half-mast. King Haakon issued a statement highlighting her concern for the most vulnerable in society. The palace confirmed the arrangements following the announcement of her death.
Context of recent royal events
King Harald died last month aged 89 after more than 35 years on the throne. His funeral drew dozens of European royals and heads of state, including the Prince of Wales, three Nordic kings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Thousands lined the procession route from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral. In the final months of Harald's life the royal family faced personal challenges and scandal. Documents revealed Queen Mette-Marit had frequent contact with Jeffrey Epstein; she later said she wished she had never met him. Her son Marius Borg Høiby was given a four-year jail term for two counts of rape in June and was granted permission to attend the funeral while under house arrest pending appeal.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Princess Astrid?
She was 94 at the time of her death, according to the palace announcement.
What was her connection to King Harald V?
She was his sister and the last surviving child of their father, King Olav V.
Will there be a state funeral?
Yes. The government confirmed she will be buried at state expense with national flags lowered to half-mast.
Key takeaways
- Princess Astrid died at 94, two days after attending her brother’s funeral.
- She served as Norway’s first lady from 1954 to 1968.
- King Haakon VIII highlighted her work on care and inclusion for vulnerable groups.
- She will receive a state funeral with flags at half-mast nationwide.