Full Breakdown
Crown Princess Mette-Marit Addresses Friendship with Jeffrey Epstein
3/21/2026, 11:12:43 AM
Regret and Manipulation: Mette-Marit's Admission
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly expressed her regret over her past friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a recent interview with the Norwegian broadcaster NRK. In a tearful address, she stated, “I was manipulated and deceived,” emphasizing her desire to have never met him. Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, maintained that she did not witness any illegal behavior during her interactions with Epstein, asserting, “I’ve never seen anything illegal.”
The Crown Princess's comments come in the wake of newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, which revealed extensive communication between her and Epstein from 2011 to 2014, including a four-day stay at his Palm Beach residence in 2013. These revelations have intensified scrutiny on her past associations, especially given Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Background and Context: The Epstein Files
The recent release of the "Epstein files" has implicated several prominent figures in Norway, including former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who is under investigation for aggravated corruption related to his dealings with Epstein. The Norwegian parliament has called for an independent inquiry into the foreign ministry's connections to Epstein, reflecting the scandal's significant impact on the royal family and public trust.
Mette-Marit previously apologized for her ties to Epstein in 2019, but the new documents have raised questions about her awareness of his criminal history. In one email from 2011, she acknowledged having Googled Epstein, stating, “It didn’t look too good,” followed by a smiley face, a remark she now finds embarrassing.
Official Statements and Responses
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre remarked on the importance of Mette-Marit addressing her relationship with Epstein, noting that her public acknowledgment of regret was necessary for maintaining trust in public institutions. He stated, “She regretted her contact with him and she was genuinely remorseful.”
Mette-Marit has expressed her anger over the lack of justice for Epstein's victims, stating, “It is all the victims who have been subjected to these serious abuses who deserve justice.” She emphasized that she does not see herself as a victim in this situation.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite her apologies, some commentators have criticized Mette-Marit for not adequately addressing the more difficult questions surrounding her relationship with Epstein. Harald Stanghelle, a royal commentator for Aftenposten, noted that she failed to provide concrete answers to key inquiries about her knowledge of Epstein's past.
Personal Struggles and Family Challenges
Mette-Marit is also facing personal challenges, including a chronic lung disease that may require a transplant. Additionally, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial for multiple charges, including rape, which has further complicated the royal family's public image. Mette-Marit acknowledged the strain these circumstances have placed on her family, stating, “I am the mother of a young man who has been in a very demanding situation.”
Conclusion: A Royal Family in Crisis
The fallout from Mette-Marit’s association with Epstein, coupled with her son’s legal troubles, has led to a decline in public support for the Norwegian monarchy. As the royal family navigates this tumultuous period, Mette-Marit hopes her actions will not permanently damage the institution's reputation. She reiterated her commitment to taking responsibility for her past decisions, stating, “I should of course wish that I had never met him.”
