Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been drawn into a renewed international controversy following the release of newly unsealed U.S. Justice Department documents linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019.
The documents reportedly contain nearly 1,000 references to the Norwegian princess, including email correspondence showing sustained contact between 2011 and 2014. The revelations arrive at a particularly sensitive moment for the Norwegian royal family, as the criminal trial of the princess’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, is expected to begin this week in Oslo.
Høiby faces 38 criminal charges, including the alleged rape of four women, assault, and violations of Norway’s drug laws.
Friendly and Intimate Correspondence
According to the documents, published by the U.S. Department of Justice and cited by The Guardian, Mette-Marit and Epstein exchanged warm and personal messages, with the princess describing Epstein as “intriguing,” “kind-hearted,” and “so sweet.”
In one email from 2012, the princess reportedly referred to Epstein as “very charming” and asked whether it would be “inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women holding a surfboard as décor for her 15-year-old son’s bedroom.”
Other emails show the princess thanking Epstein for flowers sent during a period when she was unwell, signing off messages with “With love, Mm.”
Stay at Epstein’s Florida Residence
The documents further reveal that Mette-Marit spent several days at Epstein’s Palm Beach, Florida residence, including a four-day stay in 2013, at a time when Epstein himself was reportedly not present.
Emails also suggest repeated discussions about meeting in person, underscoring the closeness of the relationship.
Royal Palace Acknowledges ‘Poor Judgment’
In a public statement, Crown Princess Mette-Marit acknowledged she had shown poor judgment and expressed regret over her association with Epstein. She stated that she failed to sufficiently investigate his background and did not initially understand the nature of the individual she was dealing with.
The Norwegian Royal Palace confirmed that all contact with Epstein ended in 2014, after the princess became concerned that he might exploit their association for influence with third parties.
Solidarity With Victims, No Legal Breach Alleged
Now 52 years old, the princess emphasized her deep solidarity with Epstein’s victims and stressed that she has not committed any criminal offense.
Regarding the upcoming trial of her son, the Royal Palace stated that the matter is strictly before the courts and that no further comment will be made by the royal family.
