Princess Astrid Maud Ingeborg of Norway was born on 12 February 1932 to then-Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha as the pair’s second child.
During World War II, she spent time with her mother, older sister (Princess Ragnhild) and younger brother (reigning King Harald) in the United States, while her father and grandfather, King Haakon VII, were in exile in London. The family returned to Norway at the end of the war in 1945, but less than ten years later, Crown Princess Märtha died after a battle with cancer.
Olav became monarch in 1957, and the 25-year-old Princess stepped into the role of ‘first lady’ of Norway in place of her mother. She attended major events alongside her father, including state visits. She also accompanied her grandfather in a first lady role after the 1954 death of her mum.
The Royal Court described Astrid’s role on her 80th birthday: “Princess Astrid also attended major celebrations around the country, either accompanying the King and Crown Prince or alone as the representative of the Royal Family. During official state visits and other events, she acted as hostess for banquets held at the Royal Palace and Skaugum Estate. After the death of King Haakon, Princess Astrid accompanied King Olav on his consecration tours, becoming well known throughout the length and breadth of Norway.”
Princess Astrid was responsible for the Crown Princess Märtha Memorial Fund and worked hard to raise money for many philanthropic organisations throughout her time as a first lady and beyond. She held many patronages, including those that focused on women’s health.
Quite popular, the Princess was covered extensively in magazines and news reports, like the lives of her future sister-in-law, Queen Sonja and niece-in-law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit would be.
Astrid married Johan Martin Ferner in 1961; at that time, she lost the style of Royal Highness and was given the alternative style of Highness and title of Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner.
When her brother, Harald, married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, Sonja stepped into the role of the first lady of Norway, but Astrid continued to work hard on behalf of organisations close to her heart. The Norwegian government took note of her dedication and recognised her for her work for Norway by giving her an honourable pension from the national treasury.
The Norwegian government said in 2002 on the occasion of her 70th birthday: “The Norwegian government has decided to recognise Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner for her efforts on behalf of Norway as the country’s First Lady for many years and subsequently in connection with extensive official tasks. She has therefore been granted an honourable pension from the national treasury.”
As she has gotten older, the amount of events she undertakes has gotten fewer, as is natural. However, she has not retired from royal duties and still represents the Royal Family for official events each year.
While the younger generation has taken the spotlight, the work Princess Astrid did in the role of first lady will not be forgotten.
