Norwegian Crown Princess Issues Apology Amid Epstein Scrutiny
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly apologized for the situation she has placed the royal family in, as she faces intense scrutiny over her past communications with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology, issued on Friday, extends to all those she has disappointed, marking a significant moment for the Norwegian monarchy.
Royal Family Under Pressure
The crown princess's contacts with Epstein have drawn widespread attention over the past week, adding to the royal family's embarrassment. This comes at a particularly sensitive time, as her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial in Oslo for multiple offences, including charges of rape. The timing of these revelations has compounded the challenges facing the royals.
Newly released documents, part of the Epstein files, contain several hundred mentions of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Norwegian media reported that she expressed regret in 2019 for having had contact with Epstein. The documents include email exchanges that reveal she borrowed an Epstein-owned property in Palm Beach, Florida, for several days in 2013. According to broadcaster NRK, the stay was arranged through a mutual friend, a detail later confirmed by the royal household.
Apology and Regret
The royal palace stated on Friday that Mette-Marit wishes to discuss the situation and provide a more detailed explanation but is currently unable to do so. Officials noted that she is in a very difficult position and hopes for understanding as she needs time to gather her thoughts. In a statement issued by the palace, the crown princess reiterated her deep regret for her past friendship with Epstein.
"It is important for me to apologize to all of you whom I have disappointed," she said. "Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologize for the situation I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen."
King Harald, 88, and the royal family are generally popular in Norway, but the case involving Mette-Marit's son has been a persistent issue for the family's image since 2024. The latest Epstein files have only intensified these concerns. Mette-Marit is married to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne.
Revealing Email Exchanges
The released documents include an email from Mette-Marit to Epstein in November 2012, in which she asked, "Is it inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15-year-old son's wallpaper?" Epstein replied, "Let them decide," and advised that the mother should, "Stay out of it."
In a statement issued shortly after the files were released, the 52-year-old crown princess said, "I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein's background more thoroughly, and for not realizing sooner what kind of person he was." She added, "I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing."
Broader Implications in Norway
Crown Princess Mette-Marit is not the only high-profile Norwegian facing unflattering attention due to the Epstein documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Norwegian Economic Crime Investigation Service, a mixed unit of police and prosecutors, announced on Thursday that it would investigate whether former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans in connection with his positions.
Jagland, who served as Norway's prime minister from 1996 to 1997, also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee and was secretary general of the Council of Europe. The files reveal years of contact between Jagland and Epstein, including emails indicating plans for a family visit to Epstein's island in 2014, when Jagland was chairman of the Nobel committee. An Epstein assistant reportedly organized the flights.
Norwegian authorities are seeking to lift Jagland's diplomatic immunity to facilitate the investigation. His legal representative told NRK that Jagland is cooperating fully with the probe.
International Repercussions
The World Economic Forum announced on Thursday that it is opening an internal review into its CEO, Børge Brende, to determine his relationship with Epstein. The files indicate that Brende, who served as Norway's foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, dined with Epstein several times and exchanged messages.
Brende told NRK that he is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing that he only met Epstein in business settings and was unaware of Epstein's criminal background. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sexually abusing underage girls at his homes in the United States.
This unfolding scandal highlights the far-reaching impact of the Epstein case, touching not only the Norwegian royal family but also key political and business figures in the country. As investigations continue, the public and media scrutiny is likely to persist, testing the resilience of Norway's institutions.
