Death of the late King of Norway's brother two days after his funeral

Princess Astrid, the elder sister of the late King Harald V of Norway, died on Friday at the age of 94, just two days after participating in his official funeral held in the capital, Oslo.

The Norwegian Royal Court announced that King Haakon VIII received the news of his aunt’s death “with deep sorrow,” and flags at the royal palace were flown at half-mast in mourning.

Princess Astrid’s last public appearance was at her brother’s funeral on Wednesday at Oslo Cathedral, where she bid him farewell with touching words. She was later seen near one of the palace windows, watching the crowds and flowers placed by Norwegians in honor of the late king.

King Haakon mourned his aunt, praising her lifelong commitment and dedication to serving the royal family and Norwegian society, as well as her warmth, cheerful spirit, and impactful presence.

King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89, after more than 35 years on the throne, and was succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII. His official funeral was held on September 9, attended by members of the royal family, representatives of European royal houses, and thousands of Norwegians.

Princess Astrid played a prominent role within the royal family. She served as Norway’s First Lady between 1954 and 1968, following the death of her mother, Princess Marta, and accompanied her father, King Olav V, on various occasions and official visits.

She also devoted a significant part of her public activities to social and humanitarian causes, particularly supporting children, youth, and the most vulnerable groups, and remained present at royal events until the last months of her life.

Princess Astrid was born on February 12, 1932, as the second daughter of King Olav V and Princess Marta, and sister to Princess Ragnhild and King Harald V. She spent her childhood during World War II, when the Norwegian royal family left the country following the Nazi occupation.

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After her mother’s death, she assumed the duties of First Lady until her brother Harald married Queen Sonja in 1968. She represented her father at numerous official events and international visits before continuing to support the royal family for decades.

Astrid married Johan Martin Werner in 1961 and had five children. Her name became associated with several institutions focused on health, volunteer work, and supporting children and youth with dyslexia.