Princess Astrid’s beloved dog, Wilma, dies days after royal’s death

Princess Astrid's beloved dog, Wilma, dies days after royal's death.

Key points

• Norway's King Haakon addressed the country after his father King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, died at the age of 89.
• The 12-year-old dog was often seen perched on the lap of the 94-year-old, attending engagements on behalf of the Royal House.
• According to the Norwegian Court, Wilma had been ill for some time and had been living with one of Astrid's children since the royal's death.
• Princess Astrid was last seen in public at Harald's funeral in Oslo on Sept.
• Princess Astrid adopted Wilma from a rehoming and retirement home for dogs in need and the pair enjoyed living together for "several years, " the statement remarked.

Princess Astrid's beloved dog, Wilma, dies days after royal's death. Jennifer Hassan USA TODAY. Norway's King Haakon speaks after death of father King Harald.

First Norway's monarch King Harald V died. Then his sister, Princess Astrid died just days after attending his funeral. Now Astrid's beloved Chihuahua, Wilma, is additionally gone.

In life, the pair were inseparable. The 12-year-old dog was often seen perched on the lap of the 94-year-old, attending engagements on behalf of the Royal House. Astrid died on Sept. 11, and her funeral was held Sept. 23.

For context, the Norwegian Court, which manages the communications of the royal family, confirmed Wilma's death but did not provide an exact date in an official note to USA TODAY. It remarked the cherished pet died within days of her owner.

"Wilma also passed away peacefully, resting where she was happiest – on a warm and welcoming lap, " the statement remarked.

According to the Norwegian Court, Wilma had been ill for some time and had been living with one of Astrid's children since the royal's death. Plenty of residents on social media had expressed concern regarding what would happen to the dog after her owner died.

Astrid's love for animals, particularly dogs, sometimes drew comparisons to Queen Elizabeth II. This person was rarely seen without her corgis hovering around her feet. More: Where are Queen Elizabeth's corgis? We went looking.

Princess Astrid was last seen in public at Harald's funeral in Oslo on Sept. 9. Harald died on Aug. After a period of ill health, 28. As his health deteriorated, Astrid was among the senior royals who rushed to be at his hospital bedside.

In a photo taken last year, Astrid sits in a wheelchair wearing a pearl necklace, pink lipstick and a fur coat. She drapes one arm around Wilma who is snuggled in a ball on her lap.

"Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the royal house in a ⁠warm and dutiful manner, " Norway's new monarch, ⁠King Haakon VIII, remarked in an official note posted on the official royal website after her death. According to The tribute, she was rarely seen without Wilma.

In an official note, Astrid's five children, Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth and Carl-Christian Ferner, described her as "the best mother we could have." Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, princess Astrids beloved dog, Wilma, dies days after royals death is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.