In Norway, at the age of 94 Princess Astrid has died — the elder sister of the recently deceased King Harald V. This was announced by the Royal House of Norway on 11 September. On Wednesday, she had still been present at her brother’s funeral. The princess is survived by five children and had carried out representative duties within the royal family for decades.
Briefly about the main points
- The Royal House of Norway has announced the death of Princess Astrid, aged 94.
- She attended the funeral of King Harald V two days before her death.
- The flags on the balcony of the Royal Palace will be flown at half-mast on the day of the Princess’s death and on the day of her funeral.
- The princess’s funeral will be paid for by the Norwegian state.
- Astrid represented the royal family for many years and headed a charitable foundation.
The flags at the palace will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral
The King Gokōn VIII He said he had received the news of the princess’s death with great sadness. He decided to fly the flags at half-mast on the balcony of the Royal Palace on the day of her death and on the day of her funeral.
Princess Astrid will be buried at the state’s expense.
Condolences were expressed by the family, the Prime Minister and the King of Sweden
The Princess’s five children described their mother as a person who was always there for them, offering love, wisdom, warmth and a good sense of humour. In their statement, they also spoke of her devotion to the King Olav V and to the deceased King Harald V.
Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gar Støre He thanked Astrid for her contribution to the life of the country and described her as a capable, dedicated and committed member of the royal family right up until her final days.
King of Sweden Charles XVI Gustav He said that he had recently met the princess at the funeral service for Harald V. He expressed his condolences to her children, their families and the entire Norwegian royal family.
From First Lady to championing community initiatives
Astrid Mod Ingeborg was born in Oslo on 12 February 1932. Following the death of her mother, the Crown Princess March, in 1954 she became the principal female representative of the royal family and held this role until 1968, when Crown Princess Sonja took over from her.
The princess continued to fulfil her official representative duties. From 1954, she headed the Crown Princess Märta Memorial Foundation and supported charitable, medical, cultural and inclusive organisations.
