Description

Astrid of Sweden (Astrid Sofia Lovisa Thyra; 1905–1935) was a Swedish princess who became Queen of the Belgians as the first wife of King Leopold III. Upon her marriage to Leopold in November 1926, she was given the title Duchess of Brabant and later assumed the role of Queen of the Belgians on 23 February 1934. Known for her warmth and dedication to public service, Queen Astrid focused much of her charitable work on the well-being of women and children, becoming a beloved figure in Belgium and Sweden alike.

On 29 August 1935, while vacationing in Switzerland, King Leopold and Queen Astrid went for a final mountain drive before returning home. The King was at the wheel of their Packard One-Twenty convertible, with the Queen reviewing a map, when she pointed out something to Leopold. Distracted, the King lost control, and the car veered off the road, crashing into a pear tree. Queen Astrid, who had attempted to jump, was thrown from the vehicle and died instantly upon impact. At only 29, she was also carrying her fourth child. She is interred at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Brussels, alongside King Leopold III and his second wife, Lilian, Princess of Réthy.