Europe · 11 September, 2026 · 2 min read
Norway’s Princess Astrid Dies Two Days After King Harald’s Funeral
Princess Astrid, sister of King Harald V, died at 94 two days after Harald's funeral. Palace announced her death; Haakon VIII as new king commented on her life.
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Princess Astrid Dies
Norway’s Princess Astrid, the older sister of the late King Harald, died on Friday at the age of 94, the royal palace said in a statement from Oslo.
“Norway's Princess Astrid, an older sister of the late King Harald, died on Friday at the age of 94”
The death came two days after Harald’s funeral, which was held on Wednesday at Oslo Cathedral after a procession from the royal palace and a 21-gun salute, with crowds lining Karl Johan Avenue.
In the statement announcing Astrid’s death, King Haakon VIII said, "Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner."
Reuters reported that Astrid made her last public appearance at Harald’s funeral on Wednesday, and that Harald died last month aged 89 after more than 35 years on the throne.
Flags and Tributes
Norway’s King announced that the flag would be flown at half-mast from the Palace balcony on Friday and on the day of her funeral, as the Norwegian Royal Palace said Astrid died at 94.
Euronews quoted King Haakon VIII saying, "Aunt Astrid was an important source of support for King Harald and the rest of our family."
The BBC reported that Harald’s funeral drew tens of thousands of people to the streets of Oslo to pay their respects, and that the procession ended with the new King Haakon VIII waving from the Royal Palace balcony.
The BBC also said the public service was held in the capital’s cathedral, and that figures in attendance included the Prince of Wales on behalf of King Charles III, as well as King Abdullah II of Jordan and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Europe-wide Mourning
Foreign royals and world leaders attended Harald’s funeral in Oslo, including the Prince of Wales representing King Charles III, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“They included the monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco and Jordan”
The Independent said the funeral procession included royals and leaders from several countries, listing monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco and Jordan, and also the heir to the British throne, Prince William, and Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino.
In a condolence statement carried by Town & Country, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf said, "The Queen and I have received with sadness the news that Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, has passed away."
Town & Country added that Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended Harald’s funeral at Oslo Cathedral, and that Carl XVI Gustaf walked alongside Harald’s son, King Haakon of Norway, and Denmark’s King Frederik in the procession from Oslo Cathedral to Akershus Fortress.