Princess Astrid grew up on the royal estate of
Skaugum in
Asker and was privately educated during her childhood. During
World War II, she joined her family fleeing the Nazis and spent the war with her mother, brother and sister in exile in Washington, DC.[2] Following the royal family's return to Norway she attended
Nissen's Girls' School and graduated with the
examen artium university entrance exam in 1950.[3] She then studied economics and political history for two years at
Oxford University.
Her
Confirmation took place on 9 May 1948 in the Palace Chapel.
The princess later learnt other skills including dressmaking and cooking and pursued her interests in handicrafts.[citation needed] Princess Astrid studied ceramics with
Halvor Sandøs.
Princess Astrid's mother died on 5 April 1954 from cancer at age 53 when Astrid was 22 years old.[citation needed] From her mother's death until her brother's marriage in August 1968, Princess Astrid was the senior lady of the court and acted as
first lady of Norway, working side-by-side with her father on all representation duties, including state visits.[1] Princess Astrid raised her family in
Vinderen; she now lives in
Nordmarka, Oslo. Her hobbies include knitting, embroidery, reading and painting porcelain.[citation needed]
In 2002, the Government granted the Princess an honorary pension in recognition of all her efforts on behalf of Norway both during and following her years as first lady.[4] In 2005, she took part in ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, including the unveiling of a plaque marking the Norwegian monarch's exile in London.[5]
In February 2012, Princess Astrid celebrated her 80th birthday with a private dinner at the Royal Palace in Oslo.[6]
Marriage and children
Princess Astrid married
commonerJohan Martin Ferner in
Asker Church on 12 January 1961. Together, the couple have five children, seven grandchildren, and as of 2023, three great-grandchildren.[7]
Princess Astrid is chair of the board of
Crown Princess Märtha’s Memorial Fund which provides financial support to social and humanitarian initiatives carried out by non-governmental organisations.[8]
She is a
patron of several organisations. She has been particularly involved in work for children and young people with
dyslexia, herself having that condition.
Foundation 3,14 – Gallery 3,14 (Hordaland International Art Gallery)
The Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association
The Norwegian Women’s and Family Association
The Norwegian Women’s Defence League
Oslo Art Association
The Norwegian Women’s Voluntary Defence Association
Inner Wheel Norway
The Norwegian Dyslexia Association
Dissimilis Norway
Foreningen for Kroniske Smertepasienter ("The Norwegian Association of Chronic Pain Patients")