The latest release of Epstein files by U.S. authorities has triggered significant international fallout, placing Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit at the center of a major scandal after documents revealed her close friendship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have prompted a public apology from the princess and raised questions about her future role in the monarchy.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Connection
Newly unsealed documents show Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s name appearing over 1,000 times. Correspondence between her and Epstein from 2011 to 2014, after he had already pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, has been published by Norwegian media. In one message, she asked Epstein if it was “inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15 yr old son’s wallpaper.” She also described him as “very charming” and stayed at his Florida residence for four days in 2013.
In a statement issued by the royal palace, the 52-year-old princess expressed deep regret. “I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing,” she stated, adding that she should have investigated his background more closely. The palace noted that Mette-Marit cut ties with Epstein in 2014 after she felt he was attempting to use their relationship for leverage.
The timing of the scandal is particularly damaging for the Norwegian royal family. This Tuesday, Mette-Marit’s 29-year-old son, Marius Borg Hoiby, is set to go on trial for 38 alleged crimes, including the rape of four women. He denies the most serious charges.
Wider Fallout From Document Release
The latest cache of files has implicated several other high-profile individuals:
Britain’s Prince Andrew: Undated photos of the former prince kneeling over a woman on the floor have resurfaced, intensifying calls for him to testify before the U.S. Congress.
Slovakia’s National Security Advisor: Miroslav Lajcak resigned from his post after reports of text message exchanges with Epstein in 2018. Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed the resignation, though Lajcak has denied the allegations.
Los Angeles Olympics Chief: Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA 2028 Olympics organizing committee, apologized for 2003 email exchanges with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, stating he was “terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
The release of new Epstein files continues to have a global impact, implicating prominent figures in politics, royalty, and business. This latest development has brought intense scrutiny upon Norway’s royal family, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit admitting to a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein that she now calls “embarrassing.” The documents reveal communication that occurred after Epstein’s initial conviction, raising serious questions about the princess’s judgment.
This scandal emerges at a critical time for the Norwegian monarchy, as the princess’s son faces a serious trial for rape and other offenses. The fallout from the Epstein files extends beyond Norway, reigniting controversy surrounding Britain’s Prince Andrew and leading to the resignation of a top Slovakian official. As more information from the documents becomes public, the full consequences for those associated with Epstein are still unfolding.
