Princess Astrid, King Harald’s Sister Dies at 94

Norway’s Princess Astrid, the elder sister of the late King Harald, has died at the age of 94, the Norwegian Royal Palace has announced.

The princess died on Friday, just days after making her final public appearance at the funeral of her brother, who passed away last month at the age of 89 after more than three decades as Norway’s monarch.

In a statement announcing her death, King Haakon VIII paid tribute to Princess Astrid’s decades of service to the Norwegian royal family, saying she “represented the royal house in a warm and dutiful manner” throughout her long life.

Iran Says US Sanctions Have Peaked

The palace has not yet announced details of her funeral arrangements.

Princess Astrid’s death comes shortly after Norway concluded 13 days of national mourning for King Harald, whose funeral was held on Wednesday at Oslo Cathedral. The ceremony was attended by members of the Norwegian royal family, including Queen Sonja, King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit.

Princess-Astrid-of-Norway — Princess Astrid attends the celebrations of Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s Official Day at Deichman Museum in Oslo, Norway. Credit: Rune Hellestad/Getty

Representatives from royal families worldwide also attended, including the Prince of Wales, who represented the British monarch at the service.

Thousands of mourners gathered along Oslo’s Karl Johan Avenue as the funeral procession moved from the Royal Palace to the cathedral, beginning with a 21-gun salute. Norwegian police said crowds fell silent as the coffin passed through the capital.

Police described the security operation for King Harald’s funeral as the largest planned operation in Norway’s history.

New York Commemorates 9/11 Anniversary

King Harald, who succeeded his father in 1991, was known as a reform-minded monarch who gradually established his own identity after spending years in the shadow of his popular father. His reign coincided with significant changes and challenges for Norway’s royal institution.

Princess Astrid, born in 1932, played a key role in supporting the monarchy, especially when her brother was unavailable. She carried out official duties for decades and remained a respected figure within Norway’s royal household.

Her death marks another significant loss for the Norwegian royal family following the passing of King Harald.

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.