Princess Anne’s touching tribute revealed as Princess Astrid is laid to rest in Norway

King Haakon VIII led members of the Norwegian Royal Family as they gathered in Oslo to bid a final farewell to Princess Astrid, who died earlier this month aged 94.

The Princess Royal was not among those attending the funeral in person, but a wreath of white roses carrying a deeply personal message from Anne was placed among the tributes to the late princess.

“With love and happy memories,” the note read, signed simply “Anne”.

Princess Astrid’s funeral took place at Ris Church in Oslo, with members of the Norwegian Royal Family arriving shortly before the service began.

King Haakon was joined by Queen Mette-Marit, his mother Queen Sonja and his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.

Princess Märtha Louise, her husband Durek Verrett and her three daughters were also present for the sombre occasion.

The funeral came during an especially difficult period for the Norwegian Royal Family. Astrid’s younger brother, King Harald, died on August 28 and was given a state funeral earlier this month.

Astrid herself attended her brother’s funeral on September 9, just two days before her own death.

Her appearance at that service was her final public engagement.

King Haakon took on a particularly personal role during his aunt’s funeral, serving as one of seven pallbearers who carried her coffin from the church.

He was joined by Astrid’s five children – Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth and Carl-Christian Ferner.

Astrid’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren also took part in the farewell, placing red roses on her coffin during the proceedings.

Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was seen holding hands with her mother, Queen Mette-Marit, as they left the church. The young princess wore a ruby and diamond heart pendant that had been given to her by Queen Sonja for her christening in 2004.

She had also worn the necklace at King Harald’s funeral earlier this month.

Although no member of the British Royal Family travelled to Oslo for Astrid’s funeral, Princess Anne’s wreath served as a reminder of the close relationship between the two royal families.

Anne is King Haakon’s godmother and had attended King Harald’s funeral alongside Prince William.

Other European royals travelled to Norway for Astrid’s funeral, including Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Astrid of Belgium and Prince Lorenz.

Princess Astrid was remembered by King Haakon following her death as someone who had served the Norwegian Royal Family with warmth and dedication.

“Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner,” he said.