Norway’s Princess Astrid has died

 

TT-NTB 

Published 14:53 | Updated 16:16

         

          Princess Astrid at King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo: Stian Lysberg              Solum/NTB/TT

Princess Astrid of Norway has died, the Norwegian Royal Court announces. She was the sister of the recently deceased King Harald and was 94 years old.

The Royal Court writes that King Haakon "has received the news of Princess Astrid’s passing with great sorrow."

The princess passed away on Friday, yet she had attended King Harald’s funeral as recently as Wednesday.

"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 humor. You were there for Grandfather King Olav and Uncle King Harald—present, loyal, and dutiful," the princess’s five children say in a statement.

King Haakon has decided that flags across Norway are to fly at half-mast today and on the day of the funeral.

A capable representative

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says he remembers Princess Astrid with sorrow and gratitude, thanking her for her contributions to Norway throughout her long life.

"I remember Princess Astrid as a capable, dedicated, and committed representative of the Royal House right to the very end. My thoughts and condolences go to her immediate family and to the Royal Family, who have lost a dear family member."

Princess Astrid will be buried at the state's expense.

Met her recently

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf has also commented on her passing. "Just a few days ago, we had the opportunity to meet and speak with Princess Astrid in connection with King Harald’s funeral—a meeting we greatly valued. We remember Princess Astrid with warmth and extend our condolences to the Princess’s children and their families, as well as to the entire Norwegian Royal Family during this difficult and trying time," the King writes in a statement via the Royal Court’s website.