King Haakon VIII took on a deeply personal role as the Norwegian royal family gathered for another emotional farewell.
On Wednesday, September 23, Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, was laid to rest following a funeral service at Ris Church in Oslo. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 53-year-old monarch helped carry his late aunt’s coffin out of the church alongside members of her immediate family.
The poignant moment came during an exceptionally difficult period for Norway’s royal family. Princess Astrid died on September 11 at the age of 94, just two days after the funeral of her younger brother, King Harald V.
Astrid had remained a steadfast presence by Harald’s side throughout his life, a bond that was remembered during Wednesday’s service.
© LISE ASERUDFinance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who delivered a eulogy, reflected on their relationship, noting that Harald was Astrid’s little brother and adding, “Astrid looked after Harald.” “And she did so until the end,” the Norwegian Royal Court noted in its account of the funeral.
A family says goodbye:
King Haakon was joined at the service by Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Queen Sonja, who was referred to by the Royal Court as the Queen Mother. Princess Astrid’s closest family members were also present.
© OLE BERG-RUSTENThe flag-draped coffin was surrounded by flowers, while two members of the King’s Guard stood watch. Princess Astrid’s insignia of the Order of St. Olav, an honor she received from her grandfather King Haakon VII in 1956, was displayed in front of the coffin.
The service opened with “Pie Jesu,” performed by Sølvguttene and Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø. One of the most touching family tributes came from Astrid’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who each placed a red rose on her coffin.
© OLE BERG-RUSTENOther European royal families were represented as well. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden attended the service, while floral wreaths were sent by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark and Britain’s Princess Anne.
A royal life spanning four kings:
Astrid’s death closes a remarkable chapter in the history of Norway’s monarchy.
© Rune HellestadThroughout her decades of royal service, the princess assisted three Norwegian kings: her grandfather King Haakon VII, her father King Olav V and her brother King Harald V.
Following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, in 1954, Astrid also assumed the role of Norway’s first lady. She held the position for 14 years, until her brother Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968.
© Rune HellestadAstrid continued carrying out official duties for decades and maintained 12 patronages later in life.
Her story ultimately came to span the reigns of four kings. After serving her grandfather, father and brother, Astrid was accompanied on her final journey by her nephew, the newly ascended King Haakon VIII.
© STIAN LYSBERG SOLUMThe connection was made especially visible as Haakon joined Astrid’s family in carrying her coffin from the church.
Following Astrid’s death earlier this month, Haakon remembered his aunt as an important source of support for both his father and the wider family.
© VIDAR RUUD“Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family,” the King said in a statement released by the Royal Court, adding, “We learned a lot from her and she was not afraid to speak her mind.” “Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her.”
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