Norway’s crown princess, Mette‑Marit, has apologized to everyone she has “disappointed” over her ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement published by the Royal Family, Mette‑Marit said she was sorry “for the situation I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen.” She added: “It is important for me to apologize to all of you whom I have disappointed. Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be.”
The apology follows the latest release of documents tied to Epstein — the so‑called “Epstein files” — published last week by the US Department of Justice. Mette‑Marit is referenced hundreds of times in the tranche, which includes email exchanges with Epstein that suggest a closer friendship than previously known, and that contact continued for years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Being named in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.
Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex‑trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide. Mette‑Marit had earlier admitted in 2019 to having contacts with Epstein, calling it “poor judgment” and saying she regretted any contact with him, describing the situation as “simply embarrassing.”
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the crown princess and the royal family. Mette‑Marit, who came from a working‑class background and whose past relationships with convicted drug offenders caused controversy when she married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, now faces renewed questions about her suitability to be queen.
The royal family is already under pressure for other reasons: Mette‑Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is on trial facing 38 charges, including multiple counts of rape, assault and drug possession. He is accused of raping four women and assaulting former partners; if convicted he could face up to 16 years in prison.
Speaking during an official visit, Crown Prince Haakon said the royals “support Marius” and acknowledged many people want to hear from Mette‑Marit. He said she would like to speak but “right now she can’t,” noting she suffers from a chronic lung condition that will require a transplant. “She needs time to gather herself,” he added, and hopes people understand that she needs a bit of time before commenting further.
The Epstein revelations have also implicated several other prominent Norwegians, including former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland and former foreign minister Børge Brende, the current CEO of the World Economic Forum; both have said they are cooperating with investigators.
Across Europe the fallout has been wide. In the UK, police raided properties linked to Peter Mandelson amid a probe into misconduct after the documents suggested extensive ties to Epstein, possible leaked government documents and payments to Mandelson and his husband. Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in 2024; Starmer apologized for that decision and for “believing Mandelson’s lies” about the relationship with Epstein.
The scandal has already forced significant consequences elsewhere: Prince Andrew relinquished royal duties and titles over his association with Epstein and faces calls to testify in the United States. In France, former culture minister Jack Lang, implicated in the files, has been urged to step down as head of the Arab World Institute and was summoned by the foreign minister to explain his ties. In Slovakia, a former national security adviser resigned after emails showed discussions about young women with Epstein.
Edited by: Zac Crellin