The crown princess of Norway has expressed her regret over her association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while her oldest son is facing allegations of abuse
The Crown Princess of Norway has issued a lengthy apology for her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while her oldest son is facing serious allegations of abuse in court.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to the heir to the throne in Norway, was implicated in the latest release of the Epstein files, with emails sent between the princess and Epstein, implying a years-long friendship.
The royal house of Norway has now issued a statement from Mette-Marit, which has been translated to English, which expressed her sincere apologies to the people of Norway and to her family, who have now been caught up in the scandal.
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The statement read: “I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you that I have disappointed.
“Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen,” she continued, referring to her in-laws, King Harald and Queen Sonja.
Mette-Marit’s apology was shared within a longer statement from the Royal House of Norway, which highlighted her deep regret about her association with Epstein. The statement from the palace began, “We understand the strong reactions people have to what has emerged in recent days. The Crown Princess strongly disavows Epstein’s abuse and criminal acts.
“She is very sorry for not having understood early enough what kind of person he was. The Crown Princess wants to tell about what happened and explain herself in more detail. She cannot do that now. The Crown Princess is in a very demanding situation,” it continued. “She hopes for the understanding that she needs time to gather herself.”
The apology from the Norwegian princess comes as her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, continues to face court in Oslo after being accused of rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, and acts of violence against another, making death threats, and numerous traffic violations.
The trial began on February 3 and was expected to run for at least seven weeks. Despite the lengthy trial, Høiby will be in court alone, as his mother and stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, confirmed they wouldn’t be present for the legal proceedings.
In a statement confirming they will not be in court, which was released in the days before the trial began, the Crown Prince also said the Royal Family does not wish to comment on the trial and that official duties will continue.
In a statement posted on the Norwegian Royal Family website, they said: “We are thinking a lot about all the parties involved in this matter. This is something that affects them, their families, those who love them. We care about them. We know that many of you are going through a difficult time right now.
“At the same time, it is good to know that we live in a state governed by the rule of law. I am sure and have confidence that those responsible for the trial will work to ensure that it is conducted in as orderly, proper and fair a manner as possible.”
When Marius was formally charged in August 2025, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø said: “This case is very serious.” He also added that the Høiby’s royal status should not mean that he receives special treatment or leniency under the law. If convicted, the 29-year-old could face up to 10 years in jail.
