Princess Astrid of Norway passed away on September 11 at the age of 94, and her 12-year-old rescue chihuahua, Wilma, died shortly thereafter. The Norwegian royal household confirmed that the dog, a constant companion to the Princess, passed away peacefully in the lap of a family member.
The Vinterbro rescue that filled a void for Princess Astrid
Wilma was adopted from a rehoming center in Vinterbro, Norway, after her previous owner had died of cancer.. According to NRK, Princess Astrid of Norway described the dog as meaning "everything" to her, noting that the arrival of the chihuahua opened up a "whole new world" and filled a significant emotional gap left by a prvious pet.
This deep affection for animals was a lifelong trait for Princess Astrid of Norway. Her bond with canines began on her second birthday, when she received her first dog as a gift from her parents, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha.
From state visits to the final May engagement
Wilma was more than a household pet; she was a fixture of the Norwegian royal family's public image. As the Norwegian royal household reported, the 12-year-old chihuahua accompanied Princess Astrid of Norway to a variety of official missions, including state visits, royal exhibitions, and Christmas concerts.
The bond was particularly visible given that Princess Astrid of Norway used a wheelchair, with Wilma frequently pictured curled up on her lap during events. This companionship remained steadfast until the end, as Wilma was present on the Princess's lap during her final royal engagement in May.
An empty space at Ris Church in Oslo
The absence of the chihuahua was first noted by royal observers during Princess Astrid of Norway's funeral service at Ris Church in Oslo on Wednesday.. The service was attended by a wide array of royal family members, including King Haakon, Queen Sonja, Queen Mette-Marit, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
The gathering also included international figures such as Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Lorenz of Belgium. a wreath of white roses was sent from Buckingham Palace with a personal note signed by Princess Anne, reflecting the international ties of the deceased royal.
The passing of King Olav V's last surviving child
The death of Princess Astrid of Norway marks a significant transition for the monarchy, as she was the final surviving child of King Olav V,who reigned from 1957 to 1991. Her passing comes shortly after the death of her younger brother, King Harald V, who died at 89 after serving more than 35 years on the throne.
Princess Astrid of Norway's role in the state was established early in her life; she became Norway's first lady in 1954 at the age of 22 following the death of her mother, Crown Princess Martha. She held that title until 1968, when her brother married.
Which royal child provided Wilma's final sanctuary?
While the Norwegian royal household confirmed that Wilma had recently been living with one of Princess Astrid of Norway's children,the specific identity of the child has not been disclosed. It remains unclear how long the dog had been separated from the Princess before her death on September 11.
Additionally, the report does not specify if Wilma's sudden decline was due to age-related health issues or the emotional stress of losing her primary companion, leaving the exact cause of the dog's death unverified.
Comments 0