Princess Astrid of Norway, the late King Harald’s sister, has died aged 94

Princess Astrid of Norway, the late King Harald V's sister, has died aged 94.

The Palace shared an official statement earlier today (11 September).

Translated from Norwegian, it reads: "Princess Astrid has passed away.

"His Majesty the King has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Princess Astrid. The Princess fell asleep today, Friday 11 September, at the age of 94."

Princess Astrid's family have since shared their own statement following their loss.

"Dear mother, dear Princess Astrid, thank you for being the best mother we could have. Throughout your life you were there for us – with love and wisdom, warmth and good humour. You were there for grandfather King Olav and uncle King Harald – present, loyal and dutiful," it reads.

"And in addition – for those who needed a little extra care – you always showed genuine care. In our grief, we stand together in gratitude. Thank you for all the good memories. You will always have a big place in our hearts."

The statement was signed off by her children, Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian Ferner, and their families.

As per the Palace, King Haakon VIII shared his own tribute to his late aunt.

"Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner," he wrote. "At the age of 22, she had to step 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."

King Haakon concluded: "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 was hospitalised in March with pneumonia, readmitted in May for heart failure requiring a temporary pacemaker, and discharged over the summer, per Town and Country.

Her final public appearance was at the state funeral of her brother, King Harald V, on Wednesday (9 September).

The late monarch died at the age of 89 on August 28th.

European royals, including the Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and leaders from Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, joined foreign heads of state, government officials, and the Norwegian royal family as attendees at Harald's funeral.