Norway's future queen admits to being manipulated by the convicted sex offender, raising questions about her royal role.
Category: Arts & Culture
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed regret over her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, stating she felt "manipulated and deceived" by the late financier during a televised interview broadcast on March 20, 2026. Her remarks come after the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice that revealed the extent of her connections with Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny of her suitability to serve alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, within the Norwegian royal family.
During the interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Mette-Marit acknowledged that she wished she had never met Epstein and admitted to failing to investigate his background thoroughly before maintaining contact. "I take responsibility for not having looked into his past more carefully," she said, adding, "I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realize it from the start." Her candid comments have ignited public debate over her future role within the monarchy, with recent polls indicating that a majority of Norwegians oppose her becoming queen.
Mette-Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon, a commoner, back 2001, emphasized her support for Epstein's victims during the interview. "It’s all the victims who’ve been subjected to these serious abuses who deserve justice," she stated, clarifying that her relationship with Epstein was solely a friendly one, denying any involvement with his criminal activities. "I did not witness any illegal acts during my interactions," she added, reinforcing her stance that her involvement was limited to friendship.
The controversy surrounding Mette-Marit follows the release of millions of pages of documents detailing Epstein's extensive contacts with various prominent individuals. Among these were communications between her and Epstein dating back to 2011, long after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. The files revealed that Mette-Marit exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein and even stayed at his Palm Beach residence for four days with a friend, raising eyebrows over the nature of their relationship.
One email exchange from 2011 showed Mette-Marit acknowledging that Epstein "didn't look too good" after searching for information about him online. Yet, she insists that at the time, she was unaware of the full extent of his criminal behavior. "I assumed the best of people, which I now see was a mistake," she noted, admitting to a moment of unease during her stay at Epstein's home that prompted her to contact Crown Prince Haakon.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed satisfaction with Mette-Marit taking responsibility for not having checked Epstein’s background more thoroughly. Still, royal commentators have suggested that her explanation raises more questions than it answers. Tove Taalesen, a royal correspondent, noted that the interview lacked clarity, particularly concerning her continued contact with Epstein after incidents that made her feel uncomfortable.
Adding to the scrutiny is the legal situation surrounding her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who is currently facing serious criminal charges, including multiple rapes and assaults against ex-girlfriends. The public interest surrounding the royal family has intensified, with many questioning the expectations placed on its members and their accountability for personal associations.
Mette-Marit also addressed her health issues during the interview, stating that her ability to continue her royal duties hinges on her condition. She suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease that affects her breathing, and she has hinted at the possibility of needing a lung transplant. "If my health permits, I want to stand by my husband’s side," she said, indicating her hope to remain an active member of the royal family.
Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, appeared alongside her during the interview, expressing unwavering support. "Mette is caring, wise, and really strong. That’s why I would always want her by my side if something difficult were ever to happen," he said, reinforcing their partnership within the monarchy.
Though Mette-Marit has publicly acknowledged her past mistakes and expressed deep regret, the fallout from her association with Epstein continues to loom large over the Norwegian royal family. With many questioning her judgment and the responsibilities of public figures, her statements have sparked a broader conversation about ethical standards and the importance of prudence when forming personal relationships.
Legal experts have noted that Norwegian prosecutors are not pursuing any criminal charges against Mette-Marit concerning her past connections with Epstein. Her statements have clarified that her involvement was limited to poor judgment rather than any wrongdoing, yet the public remains divided on the matter. Some civic groups are calling for accountability, urging the royal family to uphold ethical standards, especially when associated with individuals like Epstein.
Amidst the controversy, Mette-Marit’s candid interview marks a departure from the traditional low-profile approach often adopted by members of the royal family. By openly discussing her regrets and the lessons learned, she aims to reinforce transparency and restore trust with the public. Whether her efforts will resonate with the Norwegian people remains to be seen, but the conversation surrounding her past associations is far from over.
With the royal family facing unprecedented scrutiny, Mette-Marit’s future role hangs precariously, dependent on public sentiment and on her ability to navigate her health challenges and the legal issues surrounding her son. The coming months will likely determine the impact of her revelations on the monarchy’s standing within Norway.