Princess Astrid of Norway died on 11 September 2026 at the age of 94. The Norwegian Royal House announced that she passed away peacefully on the same day. She was the last surviving child of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha, and she was born on 12 February 1932.
Norwegian Royal Family
Princess Astrid belonged to the House of Glücksburg, the royal dynasty of Norway since 1905. King Olav V reigned from 1957 to 1991, and Crown Princess Märtha was the wife of the future King Olav V. King Harald V was her younger brother, and he died on 28 August 2026 at the age of 89.
Final Public Appearance and Health History
Princess Astrid’s last public appearance was at the state funeral of King Harald V on 9 September 2026 at Oslo Cathedral. She arrived in a wheelchair because of recent health problems. She had been hospitalised with pneumonia in March 2026 and later with heart failure in May 2026, when doctors fitted a temporary pacemaker.
Royal Mourning Practices in Norway
The flag above the Royal Palace balcony was ordered to fly at half-mast on 11 September 2026. Half-mast is a mourning practice used by monarchies, governments, and public institutions in Norway and many other countries. Oslo Cathedral is a major Lutheran church in Norway and has hosted state and royal ceremonies.
Important Facts for Exams
- Princess Astrid was born on 12 February 1932 and died on 11 September 2026.
- King Harald V died on 28 August 2026 at the age of 89.
- Oslo Cathedral is a key venue for state funerals and royal services in Norway.
- Half-mast is a formal symbol of mourning used in state protocol.
Royal Succession Context
Princess Astrid was not a reigning monarch, but she remained a senior member of the Norwegian royal family. The Norwegian monarchy is a constitutional monarchy, and the reigning sovereign performs ceremonial and constitutional duties under the Constitution of Norway.
