Her death at 94 deepens a period of mourning and closes another chapter in Norway’s royal history.
OSLO, NORWAY
Princess Astrid of Norway has died peacefully at the age of 94, the Royal Palace announced, only two days after she attended the funeral of her younger brother, King Harald V. Her appearance at Oslo Cathedral, where she arrived in a wheelchair, became her final public engagement.
King Haakon VIII described his aunt as an important source of support for King Harald and the wider royal family. He praised her warmth, sense of duty, humour and willingness to express her convictions. Flags at the Royal Palace were lowered to half-mast and will be lowered again on the day of her funeral.
Born in 1932, Astrid was the second daughter of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha. After her mother died in 1954, she performed the functions of Norway’s first lady alongside her father until Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968. She subsequently continued representing the Royal House at official and charitable events for several decades.
Princess Astrid married businessman Johan Martin Ferner in 1961 and was thereafter formally known as Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner. The couple had five children, who do not hold royal titles. She remained closely associated with humanitarian organisations, particularly those supporting people with dyslexia, chronic pain and other vulnerabilities.
Her death follows that of King Harald, who died at 89 after reigning for more than 35 years. The passing of both siblings within weeks removes two figures whose lives connected contemporary Norway with the monarchy’s wartime generation and its gradual adaptation to a modern democratic society.
Public legends are powerful, but private memories restore their humanity.