Norwegian Crown Princess Expresses Deep Regret Over Epstein Friendship in Emotional TV Appearance
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed profound regret over her past friendship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, describing him as 'manipulative' during a tearful television interview. The Norwegian royal family is currently grappling with one of its most significant scandals in recent years, following the release of millions of documents related to Epstein by the United States Department of Justice.
Royal Family Reels from Document Release Fallout
The 52-year-old royal stated she had been misled and deceived by the late sex offender as she attempts to manage the escalating controversy. 'I was manipulated and deceived,' Mette-Marit revealed in an emotional interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, which aired on Friday morning. 'Of course, I wish I had never met him,' she added regarding Epstein.
The recently unsealed files demonstrate frequent communication between the crown princess and Epstein that continued long after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting an underage girl. While Mette-Marit has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, she formally apologised to King Harald and Queen Sonja in a statement issued on February 6.
Extensive Relationship Details Emerge from Documents
Although previous media reports had indicated some connection between Mette-Marit and Epstein, the new documents reveal a far more extensive relationship than previously understood. This disclosure has prompted an unusual public rebuke from Norway's prime minister and demands for a comprehensive explanation from the crown princess.
The spouse of Crown Prince Haakon, who is heir to the Norwegian throne, maintained contact with Epstein from 2011 through 2014, according to the American files. The documents further indicate she stayed at his Palm Beach residence for four days during a private trip in 2013.
'He used the fact that we had a mutual friend, and that I'm gullible. I like to believe the best about people. But I also chose to end contact with him,' Mette-Marit explained during the interview. She emphasized to NRK that 'I've never seen anything illegal.'
Contradictions with Previous Statements and Email Evidence
The Epstein files appear to contradict a statement the crown princess made in 2019, where she apologised for not investigating his background more thoroughly and asserted she would never have associated with him had she understood the severity of his crimes. In one released email from October 2011—three years after Epstein's guilty plea—Mette-Marit wrote to him that she had searched for information online and agreed 'it didn't look too good,' followed by a smiley emoticon.
When questioned about this email by NRK, Mette-Marit stated she could not recall why she composed that particular message. 'But if I had found information that made me realise that he was an abuser and sex offender, I wouldn't have written a smiley face behind it,' she clarified.
Royal Support and Personal Challenges
Sitting beside his wife during the interview, Crown Prince Haakon expressed his support during this difficult period, noting that marriage encompasses both 'the good days and the bad.' 'Mette is caring, wise and really strong. And that's why I will always have her on the team when something difficult happens,' the crown prince affirmed.
While Haakon and other royal family members have maintained a full schedule—including visits to the Winter Olympics in Italy and attendance at various functions in Norway—the crown princess has not made any public appearances for several weeks. Mette-Marit suffers from a chronic lung condition that will eventually necessitate a lung transplant, and she is simultaneously dealing with the trial of her eldest son from a previous relationship.
Her 29-year-old son, Marius Borg Hoiby, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and domestic abuse, though he has admitted to some lesser offenses in court proceedings.
Impact on Royal Family's Popularity
The Norwegian royal family's public standing has noticeably declined in recent months, according to a February survey of 1,009 respondents. The Norstat poll, published by NRK on February 21, indicates that approximately 60% of Norwegians now support the monarchy, down from 70% in January. Meanwhile, republican support has increased to 27%, up from 19% during the same timeframe.
The prime minister's office has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the ongoing situation. This developing scandal continues to generate significant public discussion and media attention throughout Norway and internationally.
