Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed her regret over her past associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of new documents that revealed her name appeared multiple times. Her apology, made on Friday, highlights the strain her connections have placed on the royal family, especially regarding the King and Queen, and comes shortly after her son faced serious legal challenges.
The Crown Princess initially acknowledged her oversights about Epstein’s background last week, admitting to not conducting thorough research on him. Following the release of the files, which included an email exchange from 2012 in which Epstein discussed his preferences for Scandinavian women, Mette-Marit conveyed her “deep sympathy and solidarity” for Epstein’s abuse victims. She stated that some of the content in their correspondence does not reflect the person she aspires to be.
This week has been particularly difficult for Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, as their son, Marius Borg Høiby, stood trial facing multiple charges, including rape. He has denied the most serious allegations, while the royal couple decided to refrain from attending the court proceedings or publicly commenting on the case, which could last several weeks.
The royal family, led by King Harald, who has reigned for over 25 years, has experienced a decline in public support, as recent polls indicate fewer citizens support the constitutional monarchy. This decline follows incidents involving Høiby that raised concerns about his behavior and legality.
Mette-Marit has also been dealing with health challenges. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, her condition has reportedly worsened, leading to considerations for a possible lung transplant.
Despite the current turmoil surrounding the royal family, their longstanding history and connections continue to resonate with many Norwegians, reflecting a complex relationship between tradition, modern challenges, and the monarchy’s role in contemporary society.