Princess Astrid of Norway, Mrs. Ferner, has passed away at the age of 94, just two days after the funeral of her younger brother, King Harald V. The announcement from the Norwegian Royal House came on Friday, September 11, detailing that the princess “passed away peacefully” that same day. The royal family expressed their deep sorrow over her loss, with the new King Haakon VIII instructing that the flag over the Royal Palace be flown at half-mast in her honour.
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Born as the last surviving child of King Olav V and Princess Märtha of Sweden, Princess Astrid was a beloved figure within the Royal Family and Norway as a whole. King Haakon reflected on her impact, stating, “Throughout a long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. Aunt Astrid was an important support to King Harald and the rest of our family. We learned a great deal from her, and she was not afraid to speak her mind.”
Princess Astrid married Johan Martin Ferner in 1961, with their union lasting until his death in 2015. Together they had five children: Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian Ferner. Following the announcement of her death, her children released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and gratitude for the cherished memories they had with her. They stated, “In our grief, we stand together with gratitude. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You will forever hold a great place in our hearts.”
The Storting, Norway’s supreme legislature, also paid tribute to the late princess. In their statement, they noted, “A highly beloved member of the royal family has left us. Norway has lost a memorable and highly esteemed princess. Our condolences go to the royal house and the closest family.” Princess Astrid had dedicated much of her life to representing the crown, even serving as a de facto First Lady following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, until her brother’s wedding to Queen Sonja in 1968.
Although she was never in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne, Princess Astrid was a notable connection to other royal lineages across Europe. She was a great-grandchild of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, making her a distant relative of the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was considered the oldest living descendant of Queen Victoria at the time of her passing, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of modern European royal families.
Recent years have seen health challenges for Princess Astrid, including a hospitalisation for pneumonia in March 2023. Despite these difficulties, she managed to attend her brother’s funeral at Oslo Cathedral on September 9. Her vitality and presence in royal engagements were missed during her recovery.
Plans are now underway for a state funeral to honour her memory, with further details expected to be announced shortly. The outpouring of emotion from family and the nation underscores the significant role Princess Astrid played not only within the Norwegian royal sphere but also in the wider context of European royalty.
As the family and the nation mourn her passing, Princess Astrid’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of Norway’s history. Her unwavering support for her family, dedication to public duties, and the warmth she embodied will not be forgotten. The royal family, along with the people of Norway, now reflect on the life of a woman who bridged generations and touched many lives during her remarkable journey.
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