Princess Astrid of Norway dies at 94

Princess Astrid of Norway, the elder sister of late King Harald V, died on Friday at the age of 94, the Norwegian royal palace said, just two days after she attended her brother’s state funeral in Oslo. Astrid’s death comes less than two weeks after Harald died aged 89 on August 28, ending his more than 35-year reign. She made her final public appearance on Wednesday, September 9, when Norway held a state funeral for the late king at Oslo Cathedral. “Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the royal house in a warm and dutiful manner,” King Haakon VIII said in a statement announcing her death. Astrid, who was born in 1930, had continued to represent the Norwegian royal family at official events despite stepping back from many public duties in recent years.

King Harald’s funeral

Harald’s funeral on Wednesday marked the end of 13 days of national mourning following his death. His coffin was carried in a procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, with members of the Norwegian royal family and visiting dignitaries taking part. A 21-gun salute marked the start of the procession, while thousands of people lined the streets of Oslo to pay their respects. The funeral service at Oslo Cathedral was preceded by a nationwide minute of silence. It was attended by Queen Sonja, Harald’s widow, his son and successor King Haakon VIII, Queen Mette-Marit and other members of the royal family. Royals and leaders from several countries also attended, including Britain’s Prince William, who represented King Charles. Harald was laid to rest at Akershus Fortress following the service. He had become king in 1991 and was widely known for his close connection with the Norwegian public during more than three decades on the throne. Astrid’s appearance at the funeral was therefore her last public engagement. She had stood alongside members of the royal family as Norway bid farewell to the monarch who had been her younger brother and king for more than three decades. No details have yet been announced about Princess Astrid’s funeral.