Mette-Marit has broken her silence over her links to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing herself as “manipulated and deceived” in a candid national TV interview. This marks her first public comments since revelations about her contacts with Epstein emerged seven weeks ago.
The crown princess, 52, admitted regret over her interactions with Epstein between 2011 and 2014, including staying at his Florida home. She emphasised that Epstein’s victims deserved justice and expressed anger that many had not yet received it. “It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully,” she said, often on the verge of tears.
Mette-Marit explained that Epstein was introduced through a mutual friend, and she had no knowledge of his criminal past at the time. She described herself as “overly trusting” but said she eventually ended all direct contact with him after feeling uneasy during her stay in Palm Beach. Crown Prince Haakon confirmed he remembered her call about the incident, which had left her feeling insecure.
The interview coincided with the final day of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial, which may have influenced her timing. She also addressed concerns about her capacity to continue her royal duties, citing her battle with pulmonary fibrosis as a key factor in her ability to serve.
Despite the scrutiny, she reaffirmed her commitment to stand by her husband in their joint royal responsibilities, highlighting their partnership of over 25 years. The interview comes amid ongoing public debate in Norway over her role in the monarchy and the handling of her Epstein connections.
