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AstridFirst wife of King Leopold III, Queen of Belgium
Date of Birth: 17.11.1905
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Princess Astrid of Sweden: A Beloved Queen Remembered
- Marriage to Prince Leopold of Belgium
- Queen of the Belgians
- The "Snow Princess"
- Tragic Death
- Legacy
Princess Astrid of Sweden: A Beloved Queen Remembered
Early Life and FamilyPrincess Astrid Sophia Lovisa Thyra was born into Swedish royalty on November 17, 1905. Her father, Prince Carl, was the Duke of Västergötland and a grandson of King Oscar II of Sweden. Her mother, Princess Ingeborg, was a daughter of King Frederick VIII of Denmark and Queen Louise of Sweden. Princess Astrid had three siblings: two older sisters, Princess Märtha and Princess Margaretha, and a younger brother, Prince Carl Gustaf.
Marriage to Prince Leopold of Belgium
In 1926, Princess Astrid met Crown Prince Leopold of Belgium at a ball. They fell in love and became engaged shortly after. The couple married in a civil ceremony on November 4, 1926, in Stockholm, followed by a religious ceremony on November 10, 1926, in Brussels. Princess Astrid converted to Catholicism, the state religion of Belgium.
Queen of the Belgians
Princess Astrid became Queen of the Belgians upon her husband's accession to the throne in 1934 after the tragic death of King Albert I. She was known for her warmth, compassion, and dedication to her subjects. Queen Astrid was involved in numerous charitable organizations and supported various humanitarian causes.
The "Snow Princess"
Queen Astrid gained the affection of the Belgian people, who affectionately called her the "Snow Princess." She broke with tradition by personally visiting the poor and distributing food and clothing during the economic crisis. She also spent as much time as possible with her children, often taking them for walks without proper security.
Tragic Death
On August 29, 1935, King Leopold and Queen Astrid were driving in the Swiss Alps with their elder children. The car skidded on a wet road and crashed into a tree, killing Queen Astrid instantly. She was only 29 years old and possibly pregnant with her fourth child.
Legacy
Queen Astrid's death was a devastating loss for Belgium and the royal family. Her father described her in his memoirs as being "too good for this wicked world." Queen Astrid's legacy is remembered for her short but brilliant life, her love for her family and her country, and her tireless efforts to help those in need.