Norwegian Crown Princess Expresses Regret Over Epstein Friendship
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly expressed deep regret over her friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, delivering an emotional interview where she described feeling manipulated and deceived by the disgraced financier. The future queen's statements come as newly released documents reveal a more extensive relationship between the royal and Epstein than previously known.
Revelations From Epstein Files
The release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein has sent shockwaves internationally, exposing his connections to numerous prominent figures including Crown Princess Mette-Marit. While her association with Epstein had been previously reported, the newly disclosed documents demonstrate a more substantial and prolonged relationship than initially understood.
These files reveal that the crown princess maintained contact with Epstein from 2011 through 2014, including a four-day stay at his Palm Beach residence during a private trip in 2013. It is important to note that being named in these documents does not imply any wrongdoing, and the crown princess has not been accused of any criminal activity.
Emotional Public Admission
In a tearful interview with NRK, Norway's public broadcaster, Mette-Marit stated unequivocally: "I was manipulated and deceived." She continued with visible emotion, "Of course, I wish I had never met him." The crown princess explained that Epstein exploited their mutual friendship and her trusting nature, saying "He used the fact that we had a mutual friend, and that I'm gullible. I like to believe the best about people."
The documents appear to contradict her 2019 statement where she apologized for not investigating Epstein's background more thoroughly. One particularly revealing email from October 2011 shows the crown princess telling Epstein she had Googled him, writing "It didn't look too good" followed by a smiley face emoticon. When questioned about this communication, she told NRK she couldn't recall why she sent the email but emphasized she would not have included a smiley face had she understood the severity of his crimes.
Royal Support and Broader Context
Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit's husband and heir to the Norwegian throne, sat beside his wife during this challenging period and expressed unwavering support. He described marriage as being for "the good days and the bad" and praised his wife as "caring, wise and really strong." The crown prince affirmed his commitment with the statement: "I will always have her on the team."
This interview occurs during a particularly difficult period for the Norwegian royal family. Recent months have seen:
- A decline in public support for the monarchy from 70% to approximately 60%
- The ongoing trial of Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's eldest son from a previous relationship, who faces serious criminal charges
- The crown princess's ongoing health challenges with a chronic lung condition requiring eventual transplant
Political Response and Implications
The revelations prompted a rare public statement from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who emphasized the importance of the crown princess addressing questions about her relationship with Epstein. This development comes at a sensitive time for Norway's constitutional monarchy, which has traditionally enjoyed strong public support but now faces increased scrutiny.
The crown princess concluded her interview by stating she had "never seen anything illegal" during her interactions with Epstein and emphasized her decision to end contact with him. Her emotional admission represents a significant moment for the Norwegian royal family as they navigate this challenging period while maintaining their constitutional role in Norwegian society.
