Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit admits to a years-long friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claiming she was “manipulated and deceived” even after his 2008 guilty plea.
Story Highlights
- Crown Princess stayed at Epstein’s Palm Beach home for four days in 2013, long after his conviction for soliciting an underage girl.
- US Justice Department documents exposed the connection, damaging Norwegian royal family credibility worldwide.
- Public support for Norway’s monarchy dropped 10 points to 60% amid the scandal, boosting republic calls by 8 points.
- Norwegian Prime Minister issued rare rebuke, demanding full accountability from the royal family.
Epstein Friendship Timeline
Crown Princess Mette-Marit maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein from 2011 to 2014. This period followed Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to soliciting an underage girl. Documents from the US Justice Department revealed frequent communication. In 2013, Mette-Marit stayed four days at his Palm Beach residence during a private trip. The 52-year-old, married to heir Crown Prince Haakon, now faces intense scrutiny over her judgment.
Princess’s Public Apology and Claims
On February 6, Mette-Marit apologized to King Harald and Queen Sonja. In a March 20 NRK interview, she stated, “I was manipulated and deceived” by Epstein. She added, “Of course, I wish I had never met him” and “I’ve never seen anything illegal.” No criminal accusations target her. Yet, the revelations surfaced via US documents, not voluntary disclosure, raising questions about royal transparency.
Political and Public Backlash
The Norwegian Prime Minister delivered an unusual rebuke, signaling government alarm. Demands grew for a complete public accounting of her Epstein ties. A Norstat poll of 1,009 people showed monarchy support falling from 70% in January to 60% in February. Republic support rose from 19% to 27%. This marks one of Norway’s royal family’s worst scandals, eroding public trust in elite judgment.
Global Ramifications of Epstein Files
US Justice Department releases implicated Norwegian politicians, executives, and diplomats alongside Mette-Marit. The files highlight Epstein’s worldwide network persisting post-conviction. For Americans under President Trump in 2026, this underscores elite accountability lessons. Foreign royals associating with known predators mirror past globalist lapses in due diligence, contrasting renewed US focus on transparency and border security.
Norway crown princess says ‘manipulated’ by Epstein https://t.co/82Qm2gqYPK
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 20, 2026
Implications for Royal Credibility
Short-term, heightened scrutiny challenges monarchy transparency. Long-term, support may erode further, setting precedents for handling disgraced associates. Power dynamics pit institutional protection against public demands. Mette-Marit’s manipulation claim, from an adult decision-maker, fuels skepticism. Limited details on initial meeting or exact deceptions persist, but polling confirms real damage to Norway’s traditions.
Sources:
Norway’s Crown Princess says she was ‘manipulated and deceived’ by Epstein – RNZ
Norway crown princess says manipulated by Epstein in interview – Le Monde
I was deceived: Epstein fallout rocks Norway’s royal family – Modern Diplomacy
