Norway’s Princess Astrid has died at the age of 94, just days after making her final public appearance at the funeral of her brother, King Harald.
The Norwegian Royal Palace announced her death Friday, marking another heartbreaking loss for the royal family only days after the country gathered to mourn its longtime monarch.
The palace said Norway’s flag would be flown at half-staff from the Palace balcony Friday and again on the day of Princess Astrid’s funeral.
King Haakon VIII remembered his aunt as a steady and outspoken presence within the royal family.
“Aunt Astrid was an important source of support for King Harald and the rest of our family. We learned a great deal from her, and she was never afraid to speak her mind,” King Haakon VIII said in the statement.
“Her passing is a great loss to us. We will miss her.”
Princess Astrid spent decades carrying out royal duties and became one of the monarchy’s most recognizable figures during a period of enormous change for Norway’s royal household.
She was only 22 when she was thrust into a much larger public role following the death of Crown Princess Martha.
🇳🇴 BREAKING: Norway’s Princess Astrid has died at 94, just two days after attending her brother King Harald’s funeral. pic.twitter.com/PIW0Ji8bcL
— Silent Observer (@YousufPash69914) September 11, 2026
With the royal family suddenly without its leading female figure, Astrid stepped forward and effectively served as First Lady, taking on official responsibilities at an age when most people are only beginning their adult lives.
The King said she remained especially devoted to people who were vulnerable or too often overlooked, while approaching her duties with loyalty and dedication.
She was also remembered for “an infectious sense of humour.”
Princess Astrid’s final public appearance came Wednesday at King Harald’s funeral at Oslo Cathedral.
She was photographed leaving the service as Norway said goodbye to the monarch, with crowds lining the streets of Oslo and foreign royals and world leaders attending the ceremony.
Only two days later, the palace announced that Astrid had died.
Her death compounds an emotional week for Norway’s royal family, which had barely finished mourning one of its most prominent members before suffering another loss.
Astrid’s long life was closely intertwined with the modern history of Norway’s monarchy, from assuming major responsibilities as a young woman to supporting her brother throughout his reign.
Her death now closes another chapter for a royal generation that spent decades representing Norway at home and abroad.
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