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

Princess Astrid of Norway passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the age of 94, the Royal House announced. The elder sister of the late King Harald V, who died on August 28, she made her last public appearance just two days earlier at his funeral in Oslo.

King Haakon VIII praised her as a warm aunt deeply committed to her duties. The flags at the royal palace have been lowered to half-mast, and the Norwegian government has stated that the funeral will be funded by the state.

Born on February 12, 1932, Astrid Maud Ingeborg was the second daughter of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha. She became Norway’s first lady at the age of 22, following her mother’s death in 1954.

She held this role until her brother Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, representing the monarchy at official ceremonies and state visits.

More than seven decades of service to the royal family

Princess Astrid supported her grandfather Haakon VII, her father Olav V, and her brother Harald V throughout her life. She also backed several organizations, particularly in the fields of health, childhood, and dyslexia.

She married Johan Martin Ferner in January 1961. The couple remained married until his death in 2015 and had five children, who do not hold royal titles.