Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has agreed with Crown Princess Mette-Marit that she showed poor judgement by maintaining contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The comment came after newly released US Department of Justice files revealed frequent communication between the crown princess and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. The issue has sparked public debate in Norway and renewed pressure on the royal family.
Crown Princess Admits Regret Over Epstein Links
Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly admitted she regretted ever having contact with Epstein. In a statement released on Saturday, she said the decision was embarrassing and reflected poor judgement.
She also expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims and said she stood in solidarity with those affected by his abuse. Her admission followed the release of emails that showed friendly exchanges, even after Epstein had served jail time and registered as a sex offender.
Prime Minister’s Rare Public Criticism
Prime Minister Støre confirmed he agreed with the princess’s own assessment. While he avoided harsh criticism, his remarks were seen as unusual for a sitting prime minister commenting on royal conduct.
He also criticized former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Jagland had once planned a family holiday to Epstein’s private island but later canceled the trip. Jagland is expected to issue his own statement soon.
Emails Reveal Awareness of Epstein’s Past
The released documents suggest that Princess Mette-Marit knew about Epstein’s criminal history as early as 2011. In one email, she acknowledged that his background “didn’t look too good” after searching his name online.
Despite this, the correspondence continued. Reports also confirmed that the crown princess stayed for four days at Epstein’s Palm Beach home in January 2013, although he was not present at the time.
Royal Family Faces Multiple Challenges
These revelations arrive during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family. The controversy comes just before the seven-week trial of the crown princess’s son, Marius Borg Høiby.
He faces 38 charges, including rape and sexual assault. He denies the most serious allegations. If convicted, he could face at least ten years in prison.
No royal family members will attend the trial, which begins this week in Oslo district court.
Crown Prince Responds to Public Concern
Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation with an emotional statement. He said the family understands the pain surrounding the case and sympathizes with those affected.
Although his stepson is not part of the royal family, the crown prince said he remains an important member of their family.
Health Concerns Add to Pressure
Princess Mette-Marit is also dealing with serious health issues. She suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, and doctors are preparing to place her on a lung transplant list.
The combination of health concerns, legal proceedings, and public scrutiny has placed the future queen under intense pressure.
