Dies at 94, Two Days After Brother’s Funeral

Princess Astrid of Norway Dies at 94, Two Days After Brother King Harald’s Funeral

OSLO, Norway — Princess Astrid, the older sister of the late King Harald V, died on September 11 at the age of 94, the Norwegian royal palace announced. She had attended her brother’s funeral in Oslo just two days earlier, in what became her final public appearance.

Her death brought a second loss to the royal family within two weeks. King Harald died on August 28 at age 89, after more than 35 years on the throne. His son, Haakon VIII, succeeded him.

Decades of Service to the Royal House

Princess Astrid took on a prominent public role at 22 after the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha. She continued to represent the royal family for decades, with particular attention to people in vulnerable circumstances.

In a tribute to his aunt, King Haakon described her as a source of support for King Harald and the wider family. He remembered her dedication to royal duties, her warmth and her willingness to speak her mind.

The palace said its flag would fly at half-mast on the day of her death and again on the day of her funeral.