Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit has issued a public apology for the embarrassment her past contacts with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have caused the royal family.
In a statement released 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,” and apologized “to all of you whom I have disappointed.” She acknowledged that some of the content of her exchanges with Epstein “does not represent the person I want to be.”
The apology follows the recent publication by the U.S. Department of Justice of a tranche of documents known as the “Epstein files.” Those records reference Mette‑Marit hundreds of times and include emails suggesting a closer relationship with Epstein than previously known, with some contact occurring after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Being named in the files does not necessarily imply criminal wrongdoing.
Epstein died in a U.S. jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex‑trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide. Mette‑Marit previously admitted in 2019 that she had been in contact with Epstein, called that association “poor judgment” and said she regretted any contact with him.
The disclosures have renewed scrutiny of the crown princess and the monarchy. Mette‑Marit, who rose from a working‑class background and drew controversy for past relationships when she married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, now faces fresh questions about her future role.
The royal family’s troubles are compounded by the high‑profile criminal trial of Mette‑Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, 29. He faces 38 charges, including multiple counts of rape, assault and drug possession; prosecutors allege assaults on several women and say he could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking during an official visit, Crown Prince Haakon said the family supports Marius and acknowledged that many people want to hear from Mette‑Marit. He said she would like to speak but cannot right now because she is being treated for a chronic lung condition that will require a transplant, and needs time to gather herself before commenting further.
The newly released files have also implicated a number of prominent Norwegians, including former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland and former foreign minister Børge Brende, now CEO of the World Economic Forum; both have said they are cooperating with investigators.
Across Europe the fallout has been wide. In the U.K., police raided properties linked to Peter Mandelson amid inquiries prompted by the documents; Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized for appointing Mandelson ambassador to the U.S. after acknowledging he had been misled about the relationship. Elsewhere, the scandal has led to consequences for other figures tied to Epstein: Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties and has faced calls to testify in the U.S.; France’s Jack Lang was pressured over his role and was summoned by officials to explain his links; and a former Slovak national security adviser resigned following revelations in the emails.
The release of the Epstein files continues to prompt investigations and statements across governments and institutions, while Mette‑Marit’s apology attempts to address the personal and institutional fallout for Norway’s royal family.