Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has issued a deeply apologetic statement regarding her connections with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This marks her second public apology within a week, following the release of documents that revealed she stayed at Epstein's Palm Beach, Florida property for several days in 2013.
Embarrassing Revelations from Released Files
The newly disclosed Epstein files contain several hundred mentions of the crown princess, with Norwegian media reporting that she previously expressed regret in 2019 for having had contact with Epstein. The documents include email exchanges showing Mette-Marit borrowed the Epstein-owned property through a mutual friend, a detail later confirmed by the royal household.
Royal Family Under Pressure
Mette-Marit's communications with Epstein have placed her under intense scrutiny over the past week, creating significant embarrassment for the Norwegian royal family. This comes at a particularly sensitive time as her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces trial in Oslo for multiple offenses including rape charges.
The royal palace stated on Friday that Mette-Marit wishes to discuss the situation and provide more detailed explanations but is currently unable to do so. Palace officials described her as being in a very difficult situation and expressed hope for understanding as she needs time to gather her thoughts.
Content of the Apology
In her statement, the crown princess reiterated her profound regret for her past association with Epstein. 'It is important for me to apologize to all of you whom I have disappointed,' she declared. 'Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be.'
She extended her apology specifically to the royal family, stating: 'I also apologize for the situation I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen.'
Compounding Royal Troubles
While King Harald and the Norwegian royals generally maintain strong public support, the case involving Mette-Marit's son has presented image challenges for the family since 2024. The latest Epstein revelations have significantly compounded these difficulties.
Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, acknowledged in her statement that she must take responsibility for not investigating Epstein's background more thoroughly and for failing to recognize his true character sooner.
Specific Revelations from the Documents
The released files include particularly embarrassing email exchanges. In November 2012, Mette-Marit wrote to Epstein asking: 'Is it inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15-year-old son's wallpaper?'
Epstein responded by advising: 'Let them decide,' and suggested the mother should 'Stay out of it.'
The 52-year-old crown princess stated plainly: 'I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing.'
Broader Norwegian Implications
Mette-Marit is not the only prominent Norwegian figure facing uncomfortable scrutiny from the Epstein document release. The Norwegian Economic Crime Investigation Service announced it would examine whether former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans in connection with his official positions.
Jagland, who served as Norway's prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee, had years of contact with Epstein according to the files. Emails indicate he planned to visit Epstein's island with his family in 2014 while serving as Nobel committee chairman, with an Epstein assistant organizing the flights.
Additional Investigations
Norwegian authorities are seeking to lift Jagland's diplomatic immunity to facilitate their investigation. His legal representative confirmed to broadcaster NRK that Jagland is cooperating fully with the inquiry.
Separately, the World Economic Forum announced it was conducting an internal review of its CEO Børge Brende to determine the nature of his relationship with Epstein. The files indicate the two dined together multiple times and exchanged messages.
Brende, who served as Norway's foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, told NRK he is cooperating with investigations and maintained he only met Epstein in business settings, claiming he was unaware of Epstein's criminal background at the time.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sexually abusing underage girls at his properties in the United States. The ongoing revelations continue to reverberate through Norwegian society and its highest institutions.
