Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a “profound apology” to the Norwegian people concerning her association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This statement follows the revelation that they maintained contact through messages for a span of three years. The Crown Princess also expressed regret for the difficult position her actions have placed the Royal House in, specifically mentioning the King and Queen.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja, both aged 88, have remained silent regarding these disclosures. Earlier, King Harald met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Crown Prince Haakon, present at this meeting, informed reporters afterward that his wife wished to speak on the matter, but circumstances currently prevented her from doing so. He indicated he had advised her against commenting for the time being.
A significant number of emails exchanged between Epstein and the Crown Princess between 2011 and 2014 were brought to light recently. These communications form part of a larger cache of files released by the US Department of Justice. Some of these exchanges reportedly detail plans for in-person meetings. Records also indicate Mette-Marit spent four days at Epstein’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida, during a period when he was not present.
The friendly tone detected in these communications has come as a surprise to many in Norway. Evidence suggests the Crown Princess was aware that Epstein had previously served a jail sentence in 2008. In an email from October 2011, she wrote, “Googled u after last email. Agree didn’t look too good.”
While an initial statement of regret and acknowledgment of “poor judgement” was issued last Saturday, the palace faced continued pressure to clarify the extent of her acquaintance with Epstein. A subsequent statement on Friday indicated the Crown Princess was deeply saddened by her failure to recognize Epstein’s true character sooner. She expressed a desire to offer a more comprehensive explanation but noted she was in a “very difficult situation” and required time to “gather herself.”
The Crown Princess stated, “It is important for me to say I am sorry to all those I have disappointed. Some of the content in the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be.”
Family Context and Ongoing Trial
Mette-Marit was already a mother to a four-year-old son, Marius Borg Høiby, from an earlier relationship when she married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Marius Borg Høiby, now 29, is currently at the center of a high-profile trial that commenced this week. He faces 38 charges, including four counts of rape, all of which he denies.
Although not a member of the royal family nor a public figure by profession, Marius Borg Høiby has grown up within the sphere of his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon’s, family. He shares this upbringing with his half-sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and half-brother, Prince Sverre Magnus.
His mother has not directly commented on the trial. However, Crown Prince Haakon spoke to reporters in Oslo, acknowledging the considerable events unfolding within his family. He emphasized that the priority in recent days had been “to take care of the flock.” He added, “We support Marius in the situation he is in. We look after the other children as well… They also need to be cared for, and I have to make sure to take care of the crown princess.”
Separately, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is reportedly coping with a severe illness, pulmonary fibrosis. Her medical team is making preparations to place her on a waiting list for a lung transplant.
Son’s Court Testimony and Recent Arrests
During his court testimony on Wednesday, Marius Borg Høiby appeared to struggle with his composure, holding back tears as he described experiencing constant media attention since the age of three. If convicted by the three judges at the Oslo District Court, he could face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years. In the days leading up to the trial, he was arrested for a fourth time on Sunday. The charges relate to alleged assault, brandishing a knife, and violating a restraining order.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s Comments on Media Scrutiny
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, aged 22 and second in line to the Norwegian throne after her father, also expressed criticism of the press. This week, she posted a message to nearly 800 followers on a private Instagram account. The lengthy comments, which were observed by public broadcasters NRK and the websites Aftenposten and VG, highlighted the importance of avoiding unfounded accusations. While she stressed her comments were not directed at any specific individual – “not Marius, not mum or dad or Magnus” – she stated they concerned personal attacks that could affect anyone. She explained her decision to post this message due to feeling overwhelmed, concluding with “Enough is enough.”
When contacted by the BBC, the palace stated it had no comment on this matter.