Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly addressed her past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for the first time, stating that she was “manipulated and deceived” during their acquaintance. Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the Norwegian royal family over her past connection to Epstein, although she has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Speaking in an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK alongside Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, Mette-Marit expressed regret over the relationship and acknowledged that she should have examined Epstein’s background more carefully. She said she now recognises that she was misled during the period of their interaction.
The Crown Princess also revealed that during a stay in 2013 at Epstein’s property in Florida, she felt unsafe to the extent that she contacted her husband back in Norway. While she did not elaborate on the exact reasons for her discomfort, she described the experience as troubling and said it contributed to her reassessment of the relationship.
Her comments follow renewed attention after the release of documents by the US Justice Department, which included email exchanges between Epstein and Mette-Marit from 2012. Some of these messages were described as informal and personal in tone. The Crown Princess confirmed that her contact with Epstein occurred between 2011 and 2013 and that a mutual acquaintance had facilitated her visit to his property.
Addressing the controversy, she accepted responsibility for not conducting due diligence at the time and said she has spent years reflecting on the situation. She also expressed empathy for Epstein’s victims, stating that they are the ones who deserve attention and justice.
“I wish I had never met him,” she said, adding that her focus remains on acknowledging the suffering of those affected by his crimes rather than on her own experience.
The statement comes at a time when the Norwegian royal family is facing additional public attention due to a separate legal case involving Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, from a previous relationship. He is currently facing multiple charges, including allegations of rape, assault, and drug-related offences, which he has denied. Prosecutors have sought a prison sentence, and a verdict is expected in early June.
Overall, the Crown Princess’s remarks appear aimed at addressing public concerns, clarifying her position, and distancing herself from Epstein while acknowledging lapses in judgment during that period.
