Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly stated that she was “manipulated and deceived” by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, as mounting revelations about their past association intensify scrutiny of the Norwegian royal family.
In an emotional interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the 52-year-old royal expressed deep regret over her relationship with Epstein, saying: “I was manipulated and deceived… Of course, I wish I had never met him.”
Long-standing ties revealed
The controversy follows the release of extensive documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which detail Epstein’s global network of contacts. The files indicate that Crown Princess Mette-Marit maintained communication with Epstein for several years, including after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
According to the documents, contact between the two continued from 2011 to 2014, and included a visit by the princess to Epstein’s residence in Palm Beach in 2013.
While she has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, the revelations have triggered widespread criticism in Norway, raising questions about judgment, transparency and accountability within the royal household.
Public apology and political fallout
The Crown Princess has already issued a formal apology to King Harald and Queen Sonja, acknowledging what she described as poor judgment.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has also weighed in, emphasizing the need for full transparency as public trust in national institutions comes under pressure.
In response to the broader implications of the Epstein files, Norway’s parliament has launched an independent investigation into possible links between Epstein and senior political and diplomatic figures.
Pressure on the monarchy
The scandal is increasingly seen as one of the most serious crises facing Norway’s monarchy in modern times. Public support for the royal family has reportedly declined following the revelations.
The situation has been further complicated by personal challenges facing the Crown Princess. She is currently dealing with worsening health due to chronic pulmonary fibrosis and has stepped back from official duties.
At the same time, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is at the center of a high-profile criminal trial involving multiple serious charges, drawing additional media attention to the royal family.
A broader reckoning
The Epstein disclosures have implicated a range of high-profile Norwegian figures, including politicians, diplomats, and business leaders, prompting what analysts describe as a broader national reckoning over elite networks and accountability.
For Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the fallout is both personal and institutional. Her statement marks the first time she has spoken in detail about the relationship, after previously addressing it only in written form.
Despite her apology, criticism persists over why she maintained contact with Epstein after his conviction and why fuller disclosure came only after the release of official documents.
Uncertain road ahead
As investigations continue and public debate intensifies, the long-term impact on Norway’s monarchy remains unclear. Analysts suggest the scandal could reshape expectations of transparency and conduct for public figures in the country.
For now, the Crown Princess’s acknowledgment of being “manipulated and deceived” appears unlikely to fully quell the controversy, as calls grow for deeper accountability and clearer answers about her past association with one of the most notorious figures of recent decades.
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