Princess Astrid of Norway dies aged 94 - two days after brother King Harald's funeral
Princess Astrid of Norway dies aged 94 - two days after brother King Harald's funeral
Emily Ferguson, Hollie Beale Fri, September 11, 2026 at 2:48 PM UTC
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Princess Astrid has died aged 94 (Image: Getty)
Princess Astrid has passed away at the age of 94, the Norwegian Royal Family confirmed on Friday.
Her death occurred just two days following her attendance at the state funeral of her brother, King Harald V, on Wednesday.
Astrid's brother Harald passed away last month, aged 89, after reigning for more than 35 years, with his funeral representing her final public engagement.
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"His Majesty the King has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Princess Astrid. The Princess fell asleep today, Friday 11 September, at the age of 94," the Palace announced in a statement.
King Haakon VIII, Princess Astrid's nephew, expressed his sympathies for his late aunt. "Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner," he stated.
Princess Astrid has died, the Palace has announced (Image: Getty)
"At the age of 22, she had to step into the role of First Lady when my grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, passed away. In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her duties with commitment, presence and an infectious spirit."
The monarch has directed that the flag above the Royal Palace balcony be lowered to half-mast.
The flag will remain at half-mast on the day of Princess Astrid's funeral. Information regarding the ceremony has not yet been announced.
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Prince William attended Harald's funeral this week (Image: Getty)
She had been among those paying respects at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9, as the late monarch was interred following his passing on August 28. The Prince of Wales represented the King at the funeral service, while the Princess Royal also attended in a personal capacity.
The princess arrived at the Cathedral in a wheelchair, having experienced recurring health challenges in recent months. She was admitted to hospital with pneumonia earlier in 2026.
In May, the palace revealed that she was undergoing treatment for heart failure and had received a temporary pacemaker. It remains unclear whether her passing is linked to her recent medical conditions.
Her closest family released a statement, honoring Astrid's "wisdom, warmth and good humor".
They said in a statement: "Dear mother, dear Princess Astrid, thank you for being the best mother we could have. Throughout your life, you were there for us - with love and wisdom, warmth and good humor. You were there for grandfather King Olav and uncle King Harald - present, loyal, and dutiful.
"And in addition - for those who needed a little extra care - you always showed genuine care. In our grief, we stand together in gratitude. Thank you for all the good memories. You will always have a big place in our hearts."
The tribute was signed by her children, Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian Ferner, along with their families.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
