King Haakon Leads Royals at Princess Astrid’s Funeral as Anne Sends Wreath

Princess Astrid’s funeral was held at Ris Church in Oslo on September 23, with King Haakon and members of the Norwegian royal family attending. Buckingham Palace sent a white-rose wreath bearing a note signed by Princess Anne, who was not at the service. The note read, “With love and happy memories.” Astrid, King Harald V’s elder sister, died at age 94 on September 11. She had attended her brother’s funeral on September 9, two days before her death. The September 23 service was led by King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, with Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra among those present. Princess Märtha Louise and members of her family also attended, according to one account. King Haakon served as one of seven pallbearers, a role reported at the service. Astrid’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren placed red roses on her coffin, according to the same account. The funeral was held at Ris Church and was not a state funeral. The reports did not establish where or when Astrid will be buried. Anne’s wreath was sent by Buckingham Palace. The Princess Royal is King Haakon’s godmother and had travelled to Oslo for King Harald’s funeral earlier in September.