Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed deep regret over her association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing herself as having been "manipulated and deceived" by the disgraced financier. This statement, issued on Friday, March 20, 2026, aims to address one of the most significant scandals ever to impact the Norwegian royal family, following the release of millions of documents by the US Justice Department that detail Epstein's extensive network of high-profile contacts.
Revelations from Epstein Documents
The newly disclosed files have sent shockwaves globally, exposing Epstein's connections to numerous prominent individuals, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, alongside leading Norwegian politicians, business executives, and diplomats. While previous media reports had indicated some links between the princess and Epstein, these documents reveal a far more extensive and prolonged relationship than previously known.
Timeline of Contact
According to the US files, Crown Princess Mette-Marit maintained communication with Jeffrey Epstein from 2011 to 2014, a period that began long after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting an underage girl. Notably, the documents show that she stayed at his Palm Beach residence for four days during a private trip in 2013. Despite this, the 52-year-old princess has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing and stated in an interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, "I've never seen anything illegal."
Public and Political Fallout
The revelations have triggered an unusual rebuke from Norway's prime minister and have led to widespread demands for the crown princess to provide a full account of her interactions with Epstein. In a statement on February 6, Mette-Marit apologised to King Harald and Queen Sonja, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. However, the scandal has already impacted the royal family's standing among the Norwegian public.
Declining Popularity of the Monarchy
A recent survey conducted in February, involving 1,009 respondents, indicates a notable decline in support for the monarchy. According to a Norstat poll published by NRK on February 21, only 60% of Norwegians now support the monarchy, down from 70% in January. Conversely, support for a republic has risen to 27%, up from 19% over the same period. This shift underscores the broader implications of the scandal on national sentiment towards the royal institution.
Crown Princess's Personal Regret
In her candid interview with NRK, Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed profound personal remorse, stating, "Of course, I wish I had never met him." As the spouse of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, her association with Epstein has raised serious questions about judgment and oversight within royal circles. The princess's admission of being manipulated highlights the complex dynamics at play in her relationship with the financier, who was known for exploiting his connections to powerful figures.
The ongoing fallout from the Epstein document release continues to reverberate, with the Norwegian royal family facing increased scrutiny and calls for transparency. As the crown princess seeks to contain the damage, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of associations with controversial individuals, even for those in the highest echelons of society.
