Astrid of Weden (1905–1935)

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Astrid of Weden (1905–1935)

Queen of the Belgians. Name variations: Astrid Bernadotte; Astrid of Belgium. Born Astrid Sofia Lovisa Thyra Bernadotte, princess of Sweden, Nov 17, 1905, in Sweden; died in automobile accident, Aug 29, 1935, near Küssnacht, Switzerland; buried in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium; dau. of Charles of Sweden and Ingeborg of Denmark (1878–1958); m. Leopold III (b. 1901), king of the Belgians, Nov 4, 1926; children: Baudoin (1930–1993), king of the Belgians; Albert II (b. 1934), king of the Belgians; Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium (b. 1927).

Popular in Belgium, assumed the title of queen when her husband ascended the throne (1934), but their royal glow was short-lived; did not survive an auto accident in Switzerland (1935).

See also Women in World History.