In a statement from the Norwegian Royal Court on 7/2, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, publicly apologized for her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of facilitating sex trafficking for powerful individuals, with many victims being underage girls.
Mette-Marit stated she was "deeply regretful" for her past closeness with Jeffrey Epstein. She apologized for disappointing many people, adding, "I also regret the issues I have caused for the Royal Family, especially the King and Queen."
The Norwegian Royal Court indicated the Crown Princess wished to elaborate and provide more details. However, she could not do so at this time due to a "very difficult situation," asking the public to understand she needed time for careful consideration.
Last week, the US Justice Department released nearly 3 million additional documents concerning the Epstein investigation. The billionaire died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and other sex crime charges. Mette-Marit's name appeared in the documents, with several sections detailing communications and exchanges between them.
An individual's appearance in the newly released records does not imply their participation in Epstein's illicit activities or those of his associates. Nevertheless, the documents shocked the public, revealing Epstein's enormous network of influence and the identities of many powerful individuals who had previously denied connections to him.
 |
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit attends a rehearsal of the Ruselokka school girls' choir in Oslo on 2/12/2025. Photo: AFP |
One email in the files showed the Crown Princess once mentioned she had "Googled" Epstein and remarked "it didn't look good," ending with a smiling emoji. The documents also included joking messages between the two from 2011-2014, years after her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon and after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting minors for prostitution.
NRK reported that letters indicated Mette-Marit stayed for several days at an Epstein-owned property in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2013. A mutual friend arranged the trip, and the Norwegian Royal Family had previously confirmed this information.
A public opinion poll, published by Norwegian media last week, showed nearly half of the population believes Mette-Marit should not become queen once Crown Prince Haakon ascends the throne. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has urged the Crown Princess to clarify her past exchanges with Epstein.
This situation unfolds while the Norwegian Royal Family faces other reputational pressures. Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, the Crown Princess's son from a previous relationship, is on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including raping four women and assaulting former girlfriends, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.
Source: Thanh Danh (via AP, AFP)
