After their mother Crown Princess Märtha's death, Astrid served as Norway's First Lady until 1968. She had health struggles this year, including hospitalization for pneumonia in March, but attended King Harald's funeral on Sept. 9. A state funeral will be arranged and announced later.
Born before Norway adopted absolute primogeniture, Astrid was never in line for the throne but remained a devoted supporter. She was also a descendant of Edward VII and, at her death, the oldest living descendant of Queen Victoria, connected to many European royal lines.