Norway’s Princess Astrid dies at 94, days after brother King Harald’s funeral

Norway’s Princess Astrid, the elder sister of the late King Harald, has died at the age of 94, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday.

Norway’s Princess Astrid, the elder sister of the late King Harald, has died at the age of 94, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday.

Princess Astrid’s death came just two days after she attended the funeral of her brother, King Harald, in Oslo. The Norwegian monarch died last month at the age of 89 after reigning for more than 35 years.

Astrid made her final public appearance on September 9 when she attended the funeral service for King Harald in Oslo. She was photographed leaving the ceremony marking what would become her last public engagement.

The Royal Palace described Princess Astrid as a dedicated representative of the Norwegian Royal House throughout her long life.

“Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner,” King Haakon VIII said in a statement.

Astrid was born into Norway’s royal family and became an important figure in the country’s public life. Over the years she carried out numerous official duties and represented the Royal House at various national and international events.

Her death marks another significant loss for Norway’s royal family following the passing of King Harald. The king’s funeral had brought together members of the Norwegian royal family and other dignitaries in Oslo.

Princess Astrid’s final appearance at her brother’s funeral has added a poignant element to the news of her death. She was seen leaving the funeral service just two days before the Royal Palace announced that she had passed away.

King Harald had been one of Norway’s longest-serving monarchs, spending more than three decades on the throne. His death last month was followed by a period of mourning and official ceremonies, including the funeral attended by members of the royal family.

The Royal Palace did not immediately provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Princess Astrid’s death.

Her passing at 94 brings to an end the life of a senior member of Norway’s royal family who spent decades serving the monarchy and representing the country at official occasions.