Princess Astrid of Norway has died at the age of 94, only two days after she attended the funeral of her brother, King Harald V.
The Norwegian Royal Court announced that she died peacefully on Friday, 11 September 2026. It did not give a cause of death. The court said flags would fly at half-mast at royal buildings on Friday and again on the day of her funeral.
King Haakon VIII said the royal family received the news with deep sorrow. He described his aunt as an important source of support for the family and said she served Norway with warmth and commitment for many years.
Final appearance at her brother’s funeral
Princess Astrid’s last public appearance was at King Harald’s state funeral in Oslo on Wednesday, according to Reuters. Her death came two days after the ceremony, which brought members of Norway’s royal family, foreign royals, political leaders and members of the public together.
King Harald died on 28 August at the age of 89 after more than 35 years on the throne. His son has since become King Haakon VIII. The Associated Press reported that more than 46,000 people paid their respects while Harald lay in state before the funeral.
Astrid and Harald shared a close family history shaped by war, royal duty and major changes in Norwegian society. She was one of the late king’s two older sisters.
Norway’s First Lady at 22
Princess Astrid became Norway’s First Lady in 1954 after the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha. She was only 22 years old.
She took on the role because her grandfather, King Haakon VII, was a widower and her father, who later became King Olav V, was also a widower. Astrid supported both men at official events and helped welcome visiting leaders and royal guests.
The Royal Court’s account of her public life says she served as First Lady until 1968, when Crown Prince Harald married Sonja Haraldsen. Astrid continued to represent the royal family after that change and remained active in public life for decades.
Her work included official visits, state events and support for charities. She was especially linked to groups working with children and people with disabilities. In 2002, the Norwegian government awarded her an honorary state pension in recognition of her service.
Childhood shaped by war
Astrid Maud Ingeborg was born in Oslo on 12 February 1932. She was the second daughter of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. She grew up with her older sister, Princess Ragnhild, and her younger brother, Prince Harald.
Her childhood changed when Germany invaded Norway in April 1940. The royal family had to leave Oslo. Astrid, her mother and her siblings first travelled to Sweden and later moved to the United States at the invitation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
They lived near Washington, DC, during much of the Second World War. They returned to Norway on 7 June 1945, after the war in Europe had ended.
According to her official Royal Court biography, Astrid later studied social economics and political history at Oxford University for two years. She also studied practical subjects, including dressmaking, cooking and ceramics.
A long life of public service
Princess Astrid married Johan Martin Ferner in 1961. They had five children. Ferner died in 2015.
Although she was not in the line of succession under the rules that applied to women of her generation, she remained a visible and respected member of Norway’s royal family. She attended national ceremonies, supported organisations and represented the monarchy when asked.
The Royal Court said she carried out duties under three kings: her grandfather Haakon VII, her father Olav V and her brother Harald V. It also said she continued accepting official engagements until the final period of her life.
She had a strong interest in sport and outdoor life. She also served for many years as chair of the Crown Princess Märtha Memorial Fund, which supports humanitarian and social projects.
Family and funeral arrangements
Princess Astrid’s five children said their mother cared deeply about people, her country and her duties. Their statement, published by the Royal Court, said they were thankful for the life they shared with her.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also paid tribute to the princess, describing her as committed and dutiful. The Norwegian government said the state would cover the cost of her funeral.
Further details about the funeral had not been announced at the time of publication. Norway is now mourning another senior royal only days after saying farewell to King Harald.
