Norway's Princess Astrid dies at 94

Norway's Princess Astrid, an elder sister of the late King Harald V, died Friday at the age of 94, the Royal House announced, reported Xinhua.

King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his aunt's decades of service, highlighting her dedication to caring for vulnerable people and promoting inclusion. "Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family," the king said in a statement.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store thanked the princess for her lifelong contribution to Norway, describing her as a dedicated representative of the Royal House until the end of her life. Born on Feb. 12, 1932, Astrid was the daughter of King Olav V and Crown Princess Martha.

Following her mother's death in 1954, she became the Royal House's leading female representative, a role she held until 1968.