Norway’s Crown Princess Faces Controversy Amid Epstein Revelations

In recent days, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has found herself at the center of controversy following the release of documents revealing her extensive interactions with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files, disclosed by the U.S. Justice Department, reportedly feature nearly 1,000 references to the princess and include numerous emails exchanged between the two, indicating that their correspondence took place from 2011 to 2014.

Background of the Situation

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been married to Crown Prince Haakon since 2001. However, the publication of these emails comes at a particularly delicate juncture for the Norwegian royal family. Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, is set to face trial for multiple serious charges, including rape, beginning Tuesday. Høiby, born from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, is accused of committing these offenses against four women and faces a maximum sentence of 16 years if convicted. He has denied all serious allegations, which also include assault and drug-related offenses.

Mette-Marit’s Acknowledgment of Poor Judgement

Responding to the reports, the Crown Princess reflected on her connection with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting a trial for sex crimes against minors. In a statement from the royal palace, she expressed her regret: “I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing,” she stated.

The Nature of Their Correspondence

The media has been particularly focused on the emails exchanged between Mette-Marit and Epstein, especially given that Epstein had already pleaded guilty to charges involving the solicitation of minors when many of these communications took place. Some messages revealed a level of familiarity, with Mette-Marit referring to Epstein as “soft hearted” and “such a sweetheart.” In one light-hearted email, she noted that he “tickled her brain” and commented on the appropriateness of suggesting wallpaper featuring two naked women for her son’s room. She later remarked that Paris was “good for adultery” and suggested that “Scandis are better wife material.”

Additionally, there were exchanges regarding plans to meet, and it appears Mette-Marit stayed at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence for four days in 2013 while he was not present. However, it’s essential to note that inclusion in the files does not equate to wrongdoing.

Understanding the Fallout

In her statement, the 52-year-old princess expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims, acknowledging her own mistake in not properly investigating his background. Interestingly, one email from 2011 showed that she had looked him up online, saying, “it didn’t look too good,” accompanied by a smiling emoji, although she did not specify the details of her findings.

The palace has since indicated that Mette-Marit ceased written communication with Epstein in 2014, feeling he was trying to leverage their relationship to gain influence with others.

Upcoming Trial of Mette-Marit’s Son

As her son’s trial approaches in Oslo, it is expected that neither the Crown Princess nor her husband will attend. Crown Prince Haakon has mentioned that Mette-Marit would be traveling privately during this time. It’s important to note that Høiby does not hold any royal title and is not in the line of succession.

The Norwegian royal court commented on the situation earlier this year, emphasizing the legal system’s role in adjudicating the matter, with no further comment from the palace.

Conclusion

The recent revelations surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her connection to Jeffrey Epstein mark a significant event that could impact the royal family. As the trial of her son looms, the princess is facing public scrutiny over her past associations.

• Crown Princess Mette-Marit regrets her past connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
• The revelation comes as her son faces serious criminal charges.
• Email exchanges suggest familiarity and ongoing communication between the princess and Epstein.
• The royal family remains silent on ongoing legal matters, emphasizing a respect for the court’s decisions.