Scandal Surrounds the Norwegian Royal Court. Mette-Marit Speaks About a Relationship That Sparked a Crisis of Trust

The case concerns the Norwegian princess's contacts with the American billionaire, who was convicted of sexual offenses. Revealed emails from 2011-2014 show the broad scope of their relationship. Mette-Marit emphasizes that she regrets this acquaintance. "I regret ever meeting him," she says in an interview with NRK.

Mette-Marit was introduced to Epstein by mutual acquaintances. They were involved in international activities and global health. She emphasizes that she trusted them. She describes the relationship as a social acquaintance and denies that it was of any other nature.

The emails between them sparked controversy. Their tone was considered personal, but she claims it was friendly. She admits to having looked up Epstein online but does not remember what information she found at the time. She claims she was unaware of his crimes at that time.

In 2013, Mette-Marit stayed at Epstein's house in Florida. She says she was there thanks to a mutual acquaintance and did not pay for her stay. She admits to having used his driver and notes that he paid for her hairdresser. She denies witnessing any illegal activities.

However, she describes a situation during her stay at Jeffrey Epstein's house in Palm Beach in 2013, when on the last day of her visit, his behavior made her feel extremely uncomfortable and threatened. She does not disclose details of the incident but emphasizes that it was disturbing enough for her to immediately call Crown Prince Haakon and inform him about the situation.

She points out that there was no crime or assault, but she felt so uneasy that she wanted to leave. According to Mette-Marit's account, such experiences were among the reasons why she decided to end contact with Epstein in the following months. The relationship was ultimately ended in 2014.

Mette-Marit admits that after ending the acquaintance, she did not warn enough people. She points out that today she would act differently. At the same time, she emphasizes that her illness limits her ability to perform public duties. Her relationship with Epstein has become part of a broader debate in Norway about trust in the monarchy and how public figures should be accountable for their contacts and decisions.