Norway: Epstein case further weakens crown princess Mette-Marit

Monday 02 February 2026 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

Norway: Epstein case further weakens crown princess Mette-Marit

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is facing renewed public scrutiny after recently released documents revealed repeated past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier convicted of sexual crimes. The disclosures come at a particularly sensitive moment for the Norwegian royal family.

According to documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice, Mette-Marit’s name appears numerous times in correspondence linked to Epstein. Norwegian media report that the exchanges, dating back more than a decade, suggest a familiarity that has sparked controversy and raised questions about judgment and oversight within the royal household.

The Crown Princess has acknowledged the contacts and expressed regret, stating that Epstein alone is responsible for his crimes while admitting she should have exercised greater caution. In a statement released through the Royal Palace, she described the relationship as a serious error of judgment and said she deeply regrets having had any interaction with him.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal proceedings involving her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who is set to stand trial on multiple serious criminal charges. Royal observers note that the overlap of these events has intensified pressure on Mette-Marit, both as a public figure and as a mother.

Experts on Scandinavian royalty underline that members of the royal family are expected to uphold strict standards of conduct, even in their private lives. While the full context of the communications remains unclear, analysts agree that the revelations risk damaging public trust in the monarchy at a time of heightened sensitivity.