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| @det kongelige Hoff |
Princess Astrid died today at age 94. From 1954 to 1968, Princess Astrid served as Norway's First Lady for 14 years and carried out official duties until the end.
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| det Kongelige Hoff |
His Majesty the King received the news of the Princess's passing with great sadness:
"Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. At age 22, she stepped into the role of First Lady when my grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, passed away. In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her duties with commitment, presence, and an infectious spirit.
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| Princess Astrid's 85th birthday @Morten Brun, The Royal Court |
Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family. We learned a lot from her, and she was not afraid to speak up. Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her. My family and I send warm thoughts to Aunt Astrid's closest friends."
Princess Astrid had a great sense of humor and was often a natural center of family gatherings, with her great storytelling ability and funny comments. She also had a rare good memory and was happy to share her rich and detailed memories from her childhood and upbringing – not least from the war years. This enriched family and friends, as well as historians, writers, and the media.
Princess Astrid was the country's first lady and her father, King Olav, right-hand woman for 14 years. She took on the role at just 22, when her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, died in 1954.
She served the country through countless journeys and representative duties. Princess Astrid represented the King and the Crown Prince alone or accompanied them at major celebrations around the country. During state visits and other official events, she hosted dinners at the Palace and at Skaugum. She also stood by King Olav during his signing trip in 1958 and on the Royal Tour in Northern Norway the following year.
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| engagement @Jan Stage / NTB archive |
In November 1960, the engagement between Princess Astrid and Johan Martin Ferner was announced. The wedding took place in Asker Church on 12 January 1961. King Olav decided that the daughter would thereafter be titled Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner.
In July 1962, Cathrine, their first child, was born. They would eventually have five children.
Johan Martin Ferner died on 24 January 2015.
When Crown Prince Harald married in 1968, Crown Princess Sonja became First Lady of Norway, but Princess Astrid continued to represent Norway and the Royal House at small and large occasions throughout her life. She had several official assignments each year, and followed up on her patronages. In her work, Princess Astrid always had special care for the weak in society – for people with a few extra challenges.
Princess Astrid was also chairwoman of the Crown Princess Märtha's Memorial Fund, which supports social and humanitarian initiatives in organizations and associations.
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| Princess Margrethe of Denmark, Princess Astrid of Norway & Princess Margaretha of Sweden with Elvis Presley @NTB |
Princess Astrid met many of the great personalities of her time during her long life in public service – both heads of state and cultural figures. A much-talked-about moment came in the summer of 1960, when she visited Paramount Studios in Hollywood with Princess Margrethe of Denmark and Princess Margaretha of Sweden. There, the three of them met a young Elvis Presley during the filming of the film GI Blues.
The princess was also passionate about sports and athletics, and referred to herself as a "sports idiot". With great knowledge and keen participation on the sidelines, she was a faithful guest at Holmenkollen and often present at sporting events throughout the country - often together with her brother, King Harald. On the occasion of her 80th birthday in 2012, she received the Ski Association's Birkebeiner plaque for her support of skiing.
Princess Astrid worked and collaborated with three kings and was rewarded for her great efforts and warm loyalty in 2002, when, on her 70th birthday, the government granted her an honorary pension.
@Det Kongelige Hoff |
| @Jan Stage/NTB |
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| SA Sturlason, Royal Court Archive |
"The Norwegian state has decided to show its recognition for the efforts Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, has made for Norway. As the country's first lady for a number of years, and later in connection with extensive representational duties. She will therefore be granted an honorary pension by the state treasury."
NRK reports the Norwegian government will pay for her funeral.
Princess Astrid leaves only four great-grandchildren of King Edward VII: The Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, and Prince Michael of Kent.
https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-longest-living-descendant-of-queen.html
https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2026/09/princess-astrid-honors-her-brother.html
1 comment:
4 great grandchildren not great-great
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