Norway has suffered another loss in the royal family. Princess Astrid, the elder sister of the late King Harald, died on Friday at the age of 94, just two days after her brother's funeral.
The news was announced by the Norwegian Royal Palace. The newly elected King Haakon VIII called Princess Astrid an important source of support for King Harald and the rest of the royal family.
"Princess Astrid was a great loss for us. We will miss her," the King said, praising her dedication to family and society.
After the death of her grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, Astrid took on the role of First Lady at the age of just 22. Over the years, she became particularly committed to the care and inclusion of the most vulnerable people in society.
Princess Astrid made her last public appearance on Wednesday, during the funeral of King Harald, as Norway bid farewell to its long-serving monarch. The ceremony in Oslo was attended by thousands of citizens, royals from various countries and world leaders.
In honor of Princess Astrid, the Norwegian flag will fly at half-mast from the balcony of the Royal Palace on Friday and on the day of her funeral.
