Oslo, September 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: Princess Astrid of Norway, the elder sister of the late King Harald V, has died at the age of 94, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday.
Princess Astrid’s death comes just two days after she attended the state funeral of her brother, who died last month at the age of 89 after more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne.
The Royal Palace said the death was received with great sadness by the Norwegian royal family. King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his aunt, describing her long service to the Royal House as warm and dutiful.
Princess Astrid played a prominent role in the Norwegian royal family for decades. At the age of 22, she assumed extensive representative responsibilities following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, and served as Norway’s First Lady until her brother Harald married in 1968. She continued to undertake official engagements and support humanitarian and social causes throughout her life.
Her passing marks another significant loss for Norway’s royal family shortly after the death and funeral of King Harald V. Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo have been ordered to fly at half-mast as the country mourns Princess Astrid.
