Crown Princess Mette-Marit Expresses Regret Over Jeffrey Epstein Connection

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed her regret over her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging her lack of caution and the need for justice for his victims. In a recent interview, she reflected on her correspondence with Epstein and her stay at his residence, admitting to feeling manipulated. Despite her past connections, she emphasized that the focus should remain on the victims of Epstein's abuses. The interview has sparked discussions about her future role in the royal family, as public sentiment appears to be shifting. Mette-Marit’s statements have raised questions about her judgment and the broader implications of her past associations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 01:32 IST

Crown Princess Mette-Marit Reflects on Past with Epstein

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has publicly expressed her regret regarding her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, breaking her silence after revelations about their correspondence surfaced. In a recent interview aired by a Norwegian broadcaster, she acknowledged her previous connections with Epstein and admitted that she should have exercised greater caution.

This interview follows reports that disclosed her extensive email exchanges with Epstein from 2011 to 2014, as well as her stay at his Florida residence during his absence. These details came to light after the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year.

Mette-Marit’s Statements on Epstein

During the interview, Mette-Marit conveyed feelings of being misled by Epstein and took accountability for her decisions. She stated, “I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realize it from the start.” She emphasized the importance of acknowledging her failure to investigate his background thoroughly.

“Of course I wish I had never met him,” she remarked, underscoring the need for justice for Epstein’s victims. “It’s all the victims who’ve been subjected to these serious abuses who deserve justice,” she added.

The Crown Princess recognized her lapse in judgment for maintaining contact with Epstein, noting that she had previously expressed concerns about his reputation in an email. Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting underage sex, she claimed she was unaware of the full scope of his crimes at the time.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has called for transparency regarding the matter, and recent polls indicate that a significant number of Norwegians are against the idea of her ascending to the throne.

Mette-Marit described her relationship with Epstein as private and did not inform the royal palace or the foreign ministry about it. She recounted a visit to his Palm Beach home in 2013, where she felt uncomfortable during her last day but did not elaborate further.

Her husband, Haakon, was present during the interview and recalled a phone call from Mette-Marit expressing feelings of unease. Despite this, she maintained contact with Epstein for a while before ultimately severing ties. “I am overly trusting; I tend to think the best of people,” she reflected, adding that she regretted not alerting others about her concerns.

Royal correspondent Tove Taalesen noted that the interview raised further questions, suggesting that there may be more to the story that Mette-Marit chose not to disclose. She expressed frustration over the lack of justice for Epstein’s victims, asserting that she does not view herself as a victim in this scenario.

(With inputs from various news sources)