The Royal House of Norway has reported that Astrid of Norway, elder sister of the recently deceased King Harald V and aunt of the current monarch, Haakon VIII, died this Friday at the age of 94.
“Princess Astrid always showed special interest in the care and inclusion of the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always performed her duties with commitment, presence, and a contagious spirit,” King Haakon said in a statement released by the Norwegian Royal House.
The Scandinavian monarch stated that Astrid “represented the Royal House with warmth and dedication.” “At 22 years old, she had to assume the role of first lady after the death of my grandmother, Crown Princess Martha,” he recalled.
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He also noted that she was “a great support” for the recently deceased King Harald V and “for the rest of the family.” “We learned a lot from her and she was never afraid to express her opinion. Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her very much. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Aunt Astrid’s closest friends,” he said.
The Norwegian Royal House has reported that flags will fly at half-mast this Friday on the palace balcony and on the day of the funeral of “Aunt” Astrid, who precisely took part in the final farewell to her brother, Harald V, this Wednesday.
