Norway royal under scrutiny as Crown Princess addresses past links to Epstein

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit has publicly said she was “manipulated and deceived” in her past association with the late US convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in remarks that have intensified scrutiny of her previous contacts with the disgraced financier. The comment came during a televised interview released on Friday by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, in which she sought to address a scandal that has affected the royal family since new files from the US Justice Department were published earlier this month.

Details of the association

In the interview, Mette‑Marit described her relationship with Epstein in emotional terms, saying she regretted meeting him and acknowledging that she had been misled. “I was manipulated and deceived,” she stated, emphasising that she had not witnessed any illegal acts during her interactions. She maintained that her involvement was limited to friendship rather than any criminal conduct, reinforcing that she did not participate in Epstein’s offences.

The controversy follows the release of millions of pages of documents by the US Department of Justice, which revealed Epstein’s extensive contacts with prominent individuals. These files included communications between Mette‑Marit and Epstein dating back to 2011, long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. The documents showed frequent contact, including attending events and staying at Epstein’s residence, highlighting a closer relationship than previously acknowledged.

Public acknowledgment and remorse

Mette‑Marit expressed regret and embarrassment over the friendship, saying she had not known about the full extent of Epstein’s crimes when they first met. She acknowledged that she had failed to investigate his background thoroughly at the time. Her statements marked a rare moment of candour from a senior member of the Norwegian royal family, which typically maintains a low-profile approach to personal matters. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, appeared supportive during the broadcast.

Although she expressed remorse and sought to address the issue openly, polls in Norway suggest a significant portion of the public found her past connections with Epstein troubling. Some political figures and civic groups called for accountability, while others urged understanding, noting her expressed regret and the absence of any suggestion she was involved in criminal acts.

Legal implications

Norwegian prosecutors are not pursuing any criminal charges against Mette‑Marit in connection with Epstein’s offences. The princess’s statements expressly denied any wrongdoing beyond poor judgment in social association. There is no official inquiry into her conduct as a criminal matter, and the controversy remains a matter of public scrutiny rather than legal action.

The released files and her interview have prompted debate over the responsibilities of public figures in vetting personal relationships, particularly with individuals known to have criminal histories. Mette‑Marit emphasised that her past interactions were conducted without knowledge of Epstein’s full criminal record and stated that she hoped to clarify the extent of her involvement while respecting the victims of his crimes.

Wider context for the royal family

The timing of the interview coincided with heightened public attention on the Norwegian royal family. Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is facing multiple criminal charges in Oslo, which has further complicated the family’s public image. The legal proceedings against him have attracted substantial media coverage and intensified scrutiny of the monarchy.

By publicly addressing her connection with Epstein, Mette‑Marit sought to reinforce transparency and restore trust. She acknowledged her mistakes and expressed a desire to prevent further misunderstanding regarding her involvement. While she represents a small part of the Epstein controversy, her statements are likely to influence public debate in Norway about accountability, ethical standards for senior royals, and the importance of prudence in personal associations.