King Haakon of Norway has had a difficult few weeks, marking the death of two of his closest family members just two weeks apart.
First, his father, King Harald, died on 28 August, and he was laid to rest in a state funeral on 9 September, where Princess Astrid made her final public appearance before her death just two days later.
After the Norwegian royals announced the passing of Astrid on 11 September, Haakon issued an official statement paying tribute to his late aunt.
His statement read: “Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. At the age of 22, she had to step into the role of First Lady when my grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, passed away. In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her duties with commitment, presence and an infectious spirit.
“Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family. We learned a lot from her and she was not afraid to speak up. Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her. My family and I send warm thoughts to Aunt Astrid’s closest friends.”
A version of the tribute has now been added to the royals’ official Instagram account, accompanied by a montage of black and white photos depicting her life, from childhood to marrying Olympic silver medalist Johan Ferner in 1961 and starting a family.
Royal fans took to the Instagram comments section to share their condolences, with one writing: “Accompanied his little brother to the end, and then to travel after,” and a second adding: “My heart is with the Royal Family. Sending you all my love, tenderness and warmth at this deeply sad time.” A third commented: “Such a beautiful video.”
Astrid is survived by her five children: Cathrine (born in1962), Benedikte (born in 1963), Alexander (born in 1965), Elisabeth (born in 1969) and Carl-Christian (born in 1972), as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren
In their own poignant statement, they penned: “Thank you for being the best mother we could have. Throughout your life, you were there for us – with love and wisdom, warmth and good humour. You were there for grandfather King Olav and uncle King Harald – present, loyal and dutiful. And in addition – for those who needed a little extra care – you always showed genuine care.
“In grief we stand together in gratitude. Thank you for all the good memories. You will always have a big place in our hearts.”
Princess Astrid’s bond with her nephew King Haakon
© GettyNot only was Princess Astrid a pillar of support for King Haakon and the wider family as they mourned King Harald, but she has long had a close relationship with her nephew.
The royal – who had been hospitalised with pneumonia earlier this year – instilled a strong work ethic in those around her, leading by example by continuing to carry out duties into her 90s. She was only removed from the list of central members of the royal family in September 2024, at age 92, and later told NRK: “It’s fun and nice to be able to be of use.”
When it came to the role of monarch, she hinted that her brother and nephew take their position very seriously. “He made his promise to the Storting [parliament] that he would rule as long as he lived. If you promise something, you must keep it,” she said.
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