Princess Astrid dies two days after brother King Harald's funeral

Norway's Princess Astrid, an older sister of late King Harald, died on Friday at the age of 94, the royal palace ⁠said in a statement.

Astrid's brother Harald died last month, aged 89, after more than 35 years on the throne, and the princess made ⁠her last public appearance at his funeral on Wednesday.

The Palace issues the statement, “His Majesty the King has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Princess Astrid. The Princess fell asleep today, Friday 11 September, at the age of 94.”

King Haakon VIII, Princess Astrid’s nephew, also shared his condolences for his late aunt.

He said, “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.”

King Haakon has ordered the flag above the Royal Palace balcony to be flown at half-mast.