Princess Astrid of Norway's beloved rescue chihuahua dies 'days after' her doting owner, who took Wilma to royal engagements until the very end

Princess Astrid of Norway's rescue chihuahua has died 'a few days after' her doting owner, who took Wilma everywhere she went. The Norwegian royal household first confirmed the sad news in an online tribute to Astrid, who passed away shortly after attending her younger brother Harald V's state funeral at the age of 94. When asked about the late royal's 'constant companion', who was 12 and came to live with Astrid after she was adopted from a rehoming centre, a spokesperson for the Norwegian palace told broadcaster NRK: 'Recently, Wilma lived with one of Princess Astrid's children. 'Days after Princess Astrid's passing, Wilma also fell asleep quietly, lying where she felt most comfortable: on a good lap.'The royal family's communications advisor Simen Sund added that Wilma was 'often with her when Princess Astrid was out on official missions for the royal family' and described the pooch as having been 'particularly loved'. Princess Astrid, who used a wheelchair, previously admitted that 'Wilma means everything to me' and was frequently pictured at royal events with the rescue curled up on her lap. Princess Astrid of Norway's rescue chihuahua has died 'a few days after' her doting owner, who took Wilma everywhere she went'Wilma means everything to me,' Astrid told NRK. 'It became a whole new world after she came home. I had lost my old dog, and there was a big void.'Meanwhile, Wilma's previous owner had reportedly died of cancer when she arrived at the adoption centre in Vinterbro, Norway, before becoming a constant fixture of the late princess's later life. Astrid's love of animals dates back to when she received her first dog on her second birthday as a gift from her parents, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha, Hola! reported. News of Wilma's death came after royal watchers noticed a space had been left empty at Astrid's funeral service in Oslo on Wednesday. Considering Wilma accompanied Astrid to state visits, Christmas concerts and royal exhibitions, many expected to see her at Ris Church. Wilma was also pictured on Astrid's lap when the princess, who was married to Johan Martin Ferner, carried out her final royal engagement in May. The princess, who was hospitalised for pneumonia in March, made her last public appearance at Harald's funeral just two days before she died and was the last surviving child of King Olav V, who reigned from 1957 to 1991. Announcing Astrid's death earlier this month, a statement from King Haakon VIII read: 'Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner.'In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society.' Princess Astrid, who used a wheelchair, pictured with Wilma at a royal exhibition in Oslo last February Astrid died on September 11 at the age of 94 – just two weeks after the passing of her younger brother, the late King Harald, 89, who died after more than 35 years on the throne Astrid became Norway's first lady aged 22 in 1954 following her mother, Crown Princess Martha's death. She kept her title until her brother's marriage in 1968Astrid became Norway's first lady at the age 22 in 1954 following her mother, Crown Princess Martha's death. She kept her title until her brother's marriage in 1968.King Haakon led the funeral service for his aunt, accompanied by his mother, Queen Sonja, his wife, Queen Mette-Marit and their daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The nation's royals were also joined by Princess Martha Louise, her husband Durek Verrett and Martha's three daughters, Maud Angelica Behn, Leah Isadora Behn and Emma Tallulah Behn, for the sombre occasion.The new King of Norway's rapist stepson Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence under house arrest while appealing his rape convictions, did not appear to be in attendance.While no members of the British Royal Family were present, Buckingham Palace left a wreath of white roses with a note signed: 'Anne' that read: 'With love and happy memories'. The funeral service for Princess Astrid got underway at 1pm with King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit pictured arriving around five minutes before the service began.Parish priest Paul Erik Wirgenes issued a heartfelt memorial speech for the late royal and was seen shaking hands with Norway's Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg as he arrived at the church.Also in attendance were the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Prince Lorenz of Belgium, and his wife Princess Astrid.As she arrived at the service, the Swedish princess was seen sharing an emotional embrace with Princess Martha Louise of Norway.