Norway’s Crown Princess Faces New Fallout from Epstein Scandal
The ongoing Epstein scandal has ensnared Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, prompting serious questions about her royal future. Newly released documents reveal her previously undisclosed interactions with the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender prior to his death in 2019.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
According to an investigation by Norwegian daily VG, Mette-Marit’s name appears over 1,000 times in the recently unsealed Epstein files published by the U.S. Department of Justice. The messages between Mette-Marit and Epstein were exchanged between 2011 and 2014. In one correspondence, she remarked on the appropriateness of suggesting wallpaper depicting two naked women for her son’s room.
Controversial Communications
- Mette-Marit referred to Epstein as “very charming” in another email.
- She acknowledged having “googled” him in 2011 but claimed it “didn’t look too good.”
- In a 2012 message, she remarked that Paris was “good for adultery” and suggested that Scandinavians made better spouses.
- She stayed at Epstein’s Florida residence for four days in 2013.
In a statement issued to Agence France-Presse, Mette-Marit expressed her regret for her association with Epstein, describing it as a lapse in judgment. She stated, “I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing.”
Repercussions for the Royal Family
This scandal arrives at a tumultuous time for the Norwegian royal family. Mette-Marit’s son, 29-year-old Marius Borg Hoiby, is set to go on trial, facing serious allegations including the rape of four women. If convicted, he could serve up to 16 years in prison.
The royal family has chosen not to attend the seven-week trial. During this period, Crown Prince Haakon noted that Mette-Marit would be away on a private trip.
Political Response and Public Reaction
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented on Mette-Marit’s poor judgment regarding Epstein.
- Kjetil Alstadheim from Aftenposten has raised questions about her future royal status.
These issues compound Mette-Marit’s existing health challenges. Suffering from a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, she may require a lung transplant in the near future.
Future of the Crown Princess
With the weight of these scandals, the path forward remains uncertain for Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Whether she can maintain her status within the royal family and her potential to ascend to the throne is now called into question. Her recent statements suggest a desire to distance herself from the disgraced financier and rectify her public image.
