King Haakon VIII of Norway has said his final goodbye to her beloved paternal aunt, Princess Astrid.
His Majesty led the funeral service of the former First Lady of Norway on Wednesday, September 23rd, a few weeks after his father, King Harald V, had his mass funeral.
The Norwegian Royal Family took to their official Instagram account to share an exclusive glimpse of the sombre royal event.
For the funeral gathering, the 53-year-old monarch was joined by his life partner, Queen Matrine, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Queen Sonja.
"Today, Princess Astrid was laid to rest at Ris Church in Oslo," the grieving King confirmed in a heartbreaking statement.
A final goodbye to former First Lady of Norway
He went on, "Their Majesties King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Queen Sonja were present, along with Princess Astrid’s closest family members."
This is the second major funeral of the Norwegian Royal Family, as they began this month by mourning the loss of their oldest monarch, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89.
How did King Harald V died?
King Harald V of Norway peacefully died on August 28th, 2026, at Rikshospitalet (the National Hospital) in Oslo after being treated for a bloodstream infection and haemolytic anaemia.
He breathed his last just one day before his 58th wedding anniversary, which he would be celebrating with his wife, Queen Sonja.
Notably, King Haakon VIII announced the death of Princess Astrid, who is the elder sister of King Harald V, three days after the mass funeral of his father.
Last Dance
"Princess Astrid turned 94 years old. For 14 years, from 1954 to 1968, Princess Astrid was Norway’s first lady, and she had official assignments until the end," He added.
The King lamented, stating, "Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned about care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her tasks with dedication, presence and an infectious spirit. Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family."
Royal Family's presence at King Harald V's funeral
Earlier this month, on behalf of King Charles III and the British Royal Family, Prince William and Princess Anne attended the funeral service of King Harald V, to show solidarity with the grieving Norwegian monarch.
Anne was at the funeral in a personal capacity as King Haakon VIII's godmother.
Princess Anne's heartfelt nod to late Princess Astrid
However, on the day Princess Astrid laid to rest Princess Anne, she sent a wreath of white roses to the Norwegian princess's funeral.
On Buckingham Palace letterhead, she signed her name and wrote: "With love and happy memories."
