Princess Astrid of Norway Dies at 94 After Funeral

Princess Astrid of Norway died at the age of 94, just two days after attending the funeral of her brother, King Harald V, marking her final public appearance. The Norwegian royal palace confirmed her passing, and King Haakon VIII paid tribute to her dedication to the Royal House and her concern for vulnerable members of society.

Princess Astrid stepped into the role of Norway's first lady at age 22 after her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, died in 1954, serving in that capacity for 14 years until her brother's marriage in 1968. She was the last surviving child of King Olav V, who reigned from 1957 to 1991.

Her health had been declining, with hospitalization for pneumonia in March. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Astrid would receive a state burial and that flags would be flown at half-mast in her honor.

Her death follows the recent passing of King Harald V, who died at 89 after over three decades on the throne.