Norway’s Princess Astrid dies two days after attending brother King Harald’s funeral

Princess Astrid, sister of former King Harald V, passed away at the age of 94, just two days after attending her brother's funeral, according to Norway's royal palace. Her nephew, King Haakon VIII, praised Princess Astrid for representing the Royal House with warmth and dedication throughout her life. King Harald V died last month at the age of 89 after reigning for over 35 years.

Princess Astrid, the last remaining child of King Olav V, became Norway's first lady in 1954 upon the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha. Her nephew highlighted her concern for the well-being of the most vulnerable in society during her tenure. Princess Astrid's health declined in recent months, with a recent hospitalization for pneumonia being one of the last public appearances before the funeral.

Dozens of European royals and heads of state, including the Prince of Wales and three Nordic kings, attended King Harald V's funeral. Thousands of people lined the streets during his state funeral procession to Oslo Cathedral. Notable non-royal figures present included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and five foreign prime ministers.

In the final months of King Harald V's life, the royal family faced personal challenges and scandal, with revelations about Queen Mette-Marit's contact with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her son, Marius Borg Høiby, being sentenced to four years in prison for rape. Høiby, who is under house arrest pending an appeal, was allowed to attend the funeral.