Norway’s Royal Family gathered at Ris Church in Oslo today to bid farewell to Princess Astrid, who passed away on September 11, aged 94.
King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit arrived at the capital’s church roughly five minutes before the 1pm service commenced, joined by the King’s mother, Queen Sonja, and his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
The occasion marked a deeply painful fortnight for the Norwegian royals, who buried King Harald – Astrid’s younger brother – at his state funeral on September 9.
Princess Astrid had attended that service, making it her final public appearance just two days before her own death.
Princess Märtha Louise, her husband Durek Verrett, and Märtha’s three daughters were also present for today’s sombre ceremony.
Among the international mourners were Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Belgium’s Princess Astrid, and Prince Lorenz. Norway’s Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg was also in attendance.
Though no members of the British Royal Family travelled to Oslo for the service, Buckingham Palace ensured a fitting tribute was present.
A wreath of white roses bore a note signed simply “Anne,” reading: “With love and happy memories.”
Norway’s royal family gathered at Ris Church in Oslo today to bid farewell to Princess Astrid, who passed away on September 11, aged 94
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The Princess Royal’s gesture carried particular significance given her personal ties to the Norwegian monarchy.
She serves as King Haakon’s godmother and had attended King Harald’s funeral in that capacity, alongside Prince William.
The two princesses – Anne and Astrid – shared a reputation as dedicated, industrious royals who provided stability to their respective monarchies during challenging periods.
The close bonds between the British and Norwegian royal houses run deep; King Charles and the late King Harald were second cousins once removed, descended from King Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark.
King Haakon took on an especially moving role during the ceremony, serving as one of seven pallbearers.
He helped carry his aunt’s coffin from the church alongside her five children – Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian Ferner.
King Haakon helped carry his aunt’s coffin from the church alongside her five children – Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian Ferner
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REUTERS
Astrid’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren placed red roses upon her coffin during the proceedings.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra sent a message of strength alongside her mother, holding hands with Queen Mette-Marit’s as they left the church.
The young heir wore a ruby and diamond heart pendant – a christening gift from Queen Sonja in 2004 – the same necklace she had chosen for King Harald’s funeral.
Notably absent from today’s service was Marius Borg Hoiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s 29-year-old son from a previous relationship.
He is currently serving a four-year prison term under house arrest following his conviction on two counts of rape after a six-week trial in June.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra sent a message of strength alongside her mother, holding hands with Queen Mette-Marit’s as they left the church
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REUTERS
His attendance at the late King’s funeral had proved controversial. Hoiby was seated behind his immediate family, alongside Princess Märtha Louise and her daughters, and appeared to be shunned by Queen Sonja.
An Oslo court also found him guilty of assaulting a former girlfriend, making threats, and committing traffic offences, though he was acquitted on two additional rape charges.
He has denied the most serious allegations and has been granted a full retrial of his case.
Announcing Astrid’s passing, King Haakon said: “Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner.”
She will be interred at Akershus Fortress, where her brother also rests. Harald had died on August 28 at Oslo University Hospital following an infection, having reigned for more than 35 years.
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