Princess Astrid of Norway died just two days after her younger brother, King Harald V's funeral. In her personal life, she was married to a former Olympian named Johan Ferner.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleIn a piece of tragic news, it was revealed that Princess Astrid of Norway has passed away. She was 94 years old at the time of her passing. What makes the news even more tragic is that Princess Astrid died just two days after her younger brother, King Harald V’s funeral.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Norwegian Royal House announced that Princess Astrid had “passed away peacefully” earlier that day. In its official statement, the palace further added, “His Majesty the King has received with great sorrow the news that Princess Astrid has passed away.”
Following Princess Astrid’s death, King Haakon VIII ordered the flag above the Royal Palace balcony to be flown at half-mast for the day. The same will be followed on the day of Princess Astrid’s funeral, although details of the ceremony have not been revealed yet.
The Norwegian royal family is going through a painful time, as Princess Astrid’s death comes after her brother, King Harald V, passed away last month at the age of 89. He had spent 35 years on the throne before his death.
It is worth mentioning that Princess Astrid made her last appearance at King Harald V’s funeral just two days before her passing. For those unaware, his funeral was held at Oslo Cathedral on September 9, 2026, where the princess was joined by relatives and many foreign officials. According to reports, Princess Astrid had been facing health problems in recent months, leading her to arrive at the cathedral in a wheelchair. At that time, no one imagined that it would become her final public farewell as well.
After Princess Astrid’s death, King Haakon VIII remembered his aunt in a personal tribute. He noted her lifetime of service and the support that she had provided to the royal family for all these years. According to him, Princess Astrid always committed to caring for vulnerable members of society. Recalling her as a loyal, engaged, and humorous person, King Haakon VIII added:
“Throughout a long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. Aunt Astrid was an important support to King Harald and the rest of our family. We learned a great deal from her, and she was not afraid to speak her mind.”
King Haakon VIII called Princess Astrid's passing “a great loss.” He also extended his thoughts to the princess’ children and her loved ones.
In her personal life, Princess Astrid was married to Johan Ferner. He was born on July 22, 1927, in Asker, to a master tailor named Ferner Jacobsen and his wife, Ragnhild Olsen. Johan’s father established a department store in Oslo, which he later inherited in 1964.
Johan was also a sailor and Olympic medalist. As per reports, he won a silver medal in the 6 metre class with the boat Elisabeth X at the 1952 Summer Olympics, which took place in Helsinki.
Johan Ferner married Princess Astrid in 1961 at Asker Church outside Oslo. Before marrying the Princess of Norway, Johan was married to an artist named Ingeborg ‘Bitte’ Hesselberg-Meyer. They remained together from 1953 to 1956.
Princess Astrid welcomed five children with her husband, Johan Ferner: Cathrine Ferner, Benedikte Ferner, Alexander Ferner, Elizabeth Ferner, and Carl-Christian Ferner.
Johan Ferner passed away on January 24, 2015. Now, after Astrid's death, their children honored her in a joint statement. Remembering Princess Astrid for her love, wisdom, and warmth, they stated:
“In our grief, we stand together with gratitude. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You will forever hold a great place in our hearts.”
Rest in peace, Princess Astrid of Norway.
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