The couple’s hospital wedding became their final goodbye just 18 hours later.
Princess Astrid of Norway is recovering after being hospitalized with pneumonia, the Royal House of Norway has confirmed. The 94-year-old royal’s health update came after she was unable to attend a recent Belgian state visit hosted in Norway.
The palace shared that King Harald V’s older sister is improving following the illness and is currently focused on rest and recovery. The news has drawn attention because of Princess Astrid’s long-standing connection to the Norwegian royal family and her decades of public service.
Princess Astrid’s Health Update After Pneumonia
The Royal House of Norway confirmed on March 31 that Princess Astrid had been diagnosed with pneumonia but was recovering.
A spokesperson for the palace said, “We can confirm that Princess Astrid has had pneumonia, but is now recovering,” referring to an earlier statement released on March 28.
Reports from Norwegian media indicated that Princess Astrid was admitted to Oslo National Hospital on March 27 while receiving treatment for the respiratory illness. She later missed the Belgian state visit to Norway, which took place from March 24 to March 26.
The palace’s head of communications, Guri Varpe, said Princess Astrid needed time for “rest and convalescence” following her illness.
King Harald and Queen Sonja Visit Princess Astrid
During her hospital stay, Princess Astrid received visits from her younger brother, King Harald V, and his wife, Queen Sonja, according to reports.
The health update comes after King Harald himself faced medical concerns earlier in 2026. The Norwegian monarch was hospitalized in February while in Tenerife after experiencing an infection and dehydration. He later returned to official duties in March.
Despite being in her 90s, Princess Astrid has continued to maintain a close relationship with the royal institution and has appeared at selected official events in recent years.
A Lifetime of Service to Norway’s Royal Family
Born on Feb. 12, 1932, Princess Astrid is the daughter of King Olav V and the late Crown Princess Märtha of Norway. Although she is not currently in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne, she has played an important supporting role within the monarchy.
Following the death of her mother in 1954, Princess Astrid took on duties similar to those traditionally associated with a first lady. She served in that role until 1968, when her brother King Harald married Sonja Haraldsen, who later became Queen Sonja.
Throughout her life, Princess Astrid has represented the royal family at events and supported various national and cultural activities.
Princess Astrid’s Family and Royal Background
Princess Astrid married Johan Martin Ferner in 1961. The couple had five children, although they do not carry out official working royal duties.
Over the years, Princess Astrid has remained a respected figure within Norway’s royal circle, often appearing alongside members of the current royal family.
Her recent public appearances have included cultural and royal events, including a December 2025 Christmas concert performance by the Norwegian Girls Choir and the Silver Boys, where she was photographed attending with a small dog.
Princess Astrid Continues Recovery
While the Norwegian palace has not shared additional details about her condition, the official update indicates that Princess Astrid is recovering and receiving the necessary care.
As one of Norway’s longest-serving royal figures, her health remains of interest to many royal watchers who continue to follow updates from the palace.
