Princess Astrid of Norway

Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner was Norway’s First Lady from 1954 to 1968. The Princess has supported three kings in their duties and still carries out official duties for the Royal House of Norway.

Princess Astrid. Photo: Janne Møller-Hansen / VG / NTB

Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner undertakes several official engagements each year. She attends official state visits from abroad and ski festivals in Holmenkollen, as well as other major sporting events.

The Princess is an active patron of a number of organisations and chairs the board of directors of Crown Princess Märtha’s Memorial Fund. Princess Astrid devotes particular attention to the vulnerable in society and on promoting inclusion. She attends Dissimilis’ traditional Christmas concert every year and has supported the work of the Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association for over 70 years.

Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Opera is under the patronage of Princess Astrid, and every other year the Princess Astrid International Music Competition is awarded in Trondheim. It is the longest running music competition in Norway, inaugurated in 1953. Princess Astrid has presented the award to the winner on several occasions.

From Princess Astrid’s official engagements

Princess Astrid received flowers upon her arrival at the Opera to attend Dissimilis’ New Year Concert 2025. Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / NTB

2023: Princess Astrid attended the World Cups in Holmenkollen on both Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB

2023: Children from the kindergarten welcomed Princess Astrid as she arrived to officially open Akershus helsehus. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB

2023: Princess Astrid, the patron of the Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association, attended the opening of the N.K.S. Helsehus in Akershus. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB

Princess Astrid visits the Dissimilis Festival 2023. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court

2021: Princess Astrid presents the awards at the traditional Hankø Race Week regatta. Photo: Simen Sund, The Royal Court

2019: Princess Astrid attends the christening of the rescue vessel ‘Princess Ragnhild’. From left: Glenn Thomas Johansen, Marius Dahlen, and Martin Omholt. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court

2019: Princess Astrid officially opened the historical exhibition ‘The Dream of Norway’ at Queen Sonja Art Stables. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court

In 2018, Princess Astrid had a warm reunion with Børge Zahl, son of Dissimilis’ founder Kai Zahl, when she attended Dissimilis’ traditional Christmas concert—an event she attends annually. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB

2014: Princess Astrid presented the award to Elena Schwarz, the winner of Princess Astrid International Music Competition. Photo: Jan Olav Jenssen

Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner, attended the 80th anniversary of Norsk Seilskuteklubb in 2014. The Princess is an honorary member of the association. Photo: Christian Lagaard, The Royal Court

Princess Astrid congratulates Marit Bjørgen after her victory in the 10-kilometre classical race at the World Ski Championships in Holmenkollen, 2011. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB

Crown Princess Märtha at the opening of Rikshospitalet's paediatric clinic in 1950. Photo: NTB

Crown Princess Märtha’s Memorial Fund

As part of her official duties, Princess Astrid chairs the board of directors of Crown Princess Märtha’s Memorial Fund.

Following the death of Crown Princess Märtha in 1954, it was decided that the work of the fund would continue in her memory, honoring her compassion for others. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to social and humanitarian initiatives carried out by non-governmental organisations.

Norway’s First Lady for 14 years

When Crown Princess Märtha died in 1954, the 22-year-old Princess Astrid assumed the role of First Lady. The Princess continued as First Lady until 1968, when then Crown Prince Harald married Miss Sonja Haraldsen.

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 in 1957, Princess Astrid accompanied King Olav on his consecration tours.

King Olav's first state visit went to Denmark. He was accompanied by Princess Astrid. She also accompanied King Haakon on his state visit to the Netherlands in 1954.

First lady

From the death of Crown Princess Märtha in 1954 until the wedding between then Crown Prince Harald and Ms Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, Princess Astrid was Norway's First lady - representing Norway and the Royal Family at home and abroad (Photo: S. A. Sturlason, The Royal Court Photo Archives)

In 1955 the 50th anniversary of the Royal Familiy's arrival in Norway was celebrated. Princess Astrid gave her first radio speech, in honour of her grandfather, the King (Photo: Jan Stage NTB / Scanpix)

Princess Astrid with the actor Danny Kaye on the occasion of a UNICEF event at Saga cinema in Oslo. Danny Kay traveled around the world as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF (Photo: NTB / Scanpix)

Princess Astrid arrives at the opening of the arts and craft exhibition Forum, 1956 (Photo: Scanpix)

Princess Astrid visits Norske Kvinners Sanitetsforening, 1956 (Photo: Scanpix)

Princess Astrid opens a car fair, 1957 (Photo: NTB / Scanpix)

Princess Astrid accompanied King Olav on the Consecration Tour 1958. Here, the Princess receives flowers at Tretten (Photo: NTB.The Royal Court Photo Archives)

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Honorary pension

On her 70th birthday in 2002, the Norwegian Government granted the Princess an honorary pension in recognition of her all her efforts on behalf of Norway both during and following her years as First Lady.

Princess Astrid turned 90 on 12 February 2022. The occasion was commemorated at the Royal Palace with a family dinner.