Norwegian Crown Princess Faces Scandal Over Epstein Ties

Royal Crisis Deepens as Epstein Documents Reveal Extensive Contact

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is facing mounting pressure and public scrutiny following revelations of her extensive contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014. Newly unsealed court documents show the princess maintained a close friendship with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes, with her name appearing over a thousand times in the Epstein files.

Damning Email Evidence Emerges

The documents reveal intimate email exchanges where Mette-Marit called Epstein 'very charming,' 'soft hearted,' and 'such a sweetheart' in various messages. In one particularly troubling email from January 2013, she asked Epstein whether it would be inappropriate for 'a mother to propose two naked women with a surfboard as wallpaper for her 15-year-old son.' The princess also spent four days at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion in Florida during that same month.

Despite admitting in a 2011 email that she had Googled Epstein and found the results 'didn't look too good,' she continued their correspondence for three more years. The relationship reportedly included Epstein arranging cosmetic procedures for the princess and discussions about connecting him with Scandinavian women.

Royal Apology and Political Fallout

In response to the revelations, Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a statement expressing regret: 'I made a wrong assessment by maintaining contact with Epstein. I deeply regret it and find the situation simply embarrassing.' She also offered her 'deep sympathy and solidarity' with Epstein's victims.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has weighed in on the controversy, telling media that he agrees with the princess's admission of 'poor judgment.' This represents an unusual development in Norwegian politics, as prime ministers rarely comment so directly on royal family matters. Støre also criticized former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who reportedly planned a family vacation to Epstein's private island that never materialized.

Multiple Scandals Hit Norwegian Royal Family

The Epstein revelations come at an exceptionally difficult time for the Norwegian monarchy. Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, began a seven-week trial on February 3, 2026, facing 38 charges including rape, assault, and drug offenses. The 29-year-old has admitted to some lesser charges but denies the serious sexual assault allegations.

Additionally, Princess Märtha Louise, sister of Crown Prince Haakon, recently married a controversial American self-proclaimed 'shaman' who claims to cure cancer and says the couple knew each other in a past life in ancient Egypt. The royal family is also dealing with Mette-Marit's serious health condition - she suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and may require a lung transplant.

Future of the Monarchy in Question

As the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit is destined to become Queen of Norway when her husband ascends the throne. However, these scandals have raised serious questions about her suitability for the role and the future of the Norwegian monarchy itself. Royal historians note that her association with Epstein lent him royal legitimacy at a time when he was actively recruiting victims.

The situation represents what many are calling the most serious crisis for the Norwegian royal family in modern history, testing the institution's resilience and public support in one of Europe's most stable monarchies.