Here’s the fun bit: Princess Astrid almost became queen. In the 1960s, her brother—King Harald—was still single. So Astrid unofficially took over as First Lady. She hosted foreign dignitaries and threw state dinners.
She did it so well that people forgot it wasn’t her job. Imagine being the world’s most glamorous temp. That was Astrid.
She once told a reporter she “just had to smile and be nice.” Classic understatement. She was basically Norway’s royal secret weapon.
The Time She Drove a Car Like a Rebel
Did you know she was a petrolhead? Princess Astrid loved driving fast cars. In the 1950s, she zipped around Oslo in a convertible like a movie star. No chauffeur for her—she wanted the wind in her hair.
Once, she even took a rally driver on a spin. He reportedly said she drove “like a Viking.” I mean, awesome. She had zero time for royal stuffiness.
EXCLUSIVE: Norwegian Royal Family 'Shaken' By Arrest of Crown Princess' Son
She also refused to wear a crown at formal events. Said it gave her a headache. Relatable queen energy, right?
