Princess Astrid’s beloved pet dog has passed away just days after her owner.
The late King Harald‘s older sister, who died aged 94 on 11 September, was honoured this week with a funeral service at Ris Church in Oslo.
But Astrid’s beloved chihuahua, Wilma, who was often pictured on her lap, was nowhere to be seen.
The Royal Palace confirmed that the 12-year-old pet had passed away just a few days after Astrid in a statement to Norwegian outlet NRK.
Palace communications advisor Simen Sund said: “Recently, Wilma lived with one of Princess Astrid’s children. Days after Princess Astrid’s passing, Wilma also fell asleep quietly, lying where she felt most comfortable – on a good lap.”
Wilma had been ill for some time before passing away, the Palace added.
The royal’s death on 11 September came just two days after the state funeral for her older brother, King Harald, who died earlier this month aged 89.
Princess Astrid’s love for dogs remembered
Astrid adopted Wilma a few years ago from a rehoming centre, and they became inseparable, often seen together on royal engagements, including Christmas concerts and exhibitions.
She adopted Wilma after a “big void” when her previous canine companion passed away.
© Getty ImagesIn the statement, Simen Sund added: “Wilma came to Princess Astrid as a rehoming dog from the Solplassen rehoming and rest home for ownerless dogs, and lived with the princess for several years.”
Wilma was even present for what would be Astrid’s final engagement in May.
Astrid, who loved animals and got her first dog aged two, previously said that Wilma “meant everything” to her, and introduced her to a “whole new world”.
Giving the eulogy at her funeral, parish priest Paul Erik Wirgenes said: “She got her first dog when she was two years old, and has had many since. There are pictures of the aging princess without her dog – but there aren’t that many.”
Crown Princess Victoria joins Norway royals to remember Princess Astrid
On Wednesday, King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit led their family in remembering Princess Astrid at Ris Church.
They were accompanied by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Queen Sonja, while Crown Princess Victoria, King Harald’s goddaughter, represented Sweden.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesPrincess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett also attended, alongside the Princess’s daughters, Maud Angelica, Leah Isadora, and Emma Tallulah.
Though the British royals were absent, Buckingham Palace left a poignant tribute on behalf of Princess Anne, who is godmother to King Haakon.
A wreath of white roses was signed “Anne”, with a message reading: “With love and happy memories”.
Astrid was laid to rest beside her late husband, Johan Martin Ferner. The couple leaves behind five children: Catherine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian, who have always remained out of the public eye.
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