Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly apologised for her friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after messages between them spanning 2011 to 2014 were revealed.
The correspondence, which surfaced in documents published by the US justice department last week, includes exchanges discussing potential meetings and a four-day visit to Epstein’s Palm Beach home while he was away.
In a palace statement, she said: "I also apologise for the situation in which I have placed the Royal House, especially the King and Queen." The apology follows growing calls from the public for clarification about the nature of her relationship with Epstein.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja, both 88, have remained silent on the matter. Crown Prince Haakon, however, noted after meeting Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Friday that the crown princess wanted to speak, adding: "But right now she can't, and I also tell her she is not allowed to."
Some of the emails show a friendly tone and indicate she was aware of Epstein’s criminal history, writing in October 2011: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good." The palace said she is "deeply saddened that she had failed to realise early enough what kind of person he was" and regrets the impact on the royal family.
She added: "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."
File pic showing Crown Prince Haakon (R) and the crown princess with his step-son (L) and Princess Ingrid Alexandra (C-L).PHOTO/GETTY IMAGESThe apology arrives amid other pressures on the royal family. Her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, from a previous relationship, is currently on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including four counts of rape, which he denies. During court proceedings this week, he struggled to compose himself and held back tears, describing being “hassled” by the media since childhood.
Though not a public figure, Marius grew up in the royal household alongside his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus. Crown Prince Haakon told reporters that supporting Marius and attending to the welfare of all their children has been the family’s priority: "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," he said.
Mette-Marit is also battling serious health issues, living with pulmonary fibrosis, and her medical team is preparing to place her on a list for a lung transplant.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra has criticised personal attacks from the press in a private Instagram post, writing: "It is important not to make claims you have no basis for." She said her statement was not directed at anyone specific in her family but highlighted the toll of media scrutiny.
The palace declined to comment further, indicating that the royal family is navigating an intense and challenging period in both public and private life.
