Norway’s Princess Astrid dies aged 94 after brother’s funeral
The late King Harald V’s sister will be buried at state expense, with flags lowered across Norway.
Princess Astrid of Norway has died aged 94, two days after attending the funeral of her brother, the late King Harald V, the Norwegian royal palace has announced.
Astrid’s death follows the end of a public role spanning decades. She was Norway’s first lady from 1954, after the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, until her brother married in 1968.
She was the last surviving child of King Olav V, who reigned from 1957 to 1991. Harald died aged 89 after more than 35 years as king, with his funeral marking Astrid’s final public engagement.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Astrid would be buried at state expense and that flags would be flown at half-mast across Norway.
In a tribute, the new king described his aunt as having represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. He also said she had been particularly concerned with care and inclusion for vulnerable people.
Astrid’s health had deteriorated in recent months, including hospital treatment for pneumonia in March. Her brother’s funeral was attended by European royals, heads of state and thousands of people who lined the procession route in Oslo.
