Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a fresh apology to those she says she has disappointed following renewed scrutiny over her past connections with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The apology comes as attention has once again focused on the royal family after documents linked to Epstein resurfaced, placing the Crown Princess back in the public spotlight. In a statement released by the royal palace, Mette-Marit expressed regret for the situation and acknowledged the impact on the monarchy, particularly King Harald and Queen Sonja.
“I would like to repeat my apology for the circumstances in which I have placed the royal family, especially the King and Queen,” she said in the statement.
According to Norwegian media reports, the Crown Princess has previously acknowledged that she had contact with Epstein and had already expressed regret for those associations in 2019. Newly circulated documents reportedly mention her name multiple times and include email exchanges suggesting she rented Epstein’s home in Palm Beach, Florida, for several days in 2013. The revelations have reignited debate and public discussion in Norway about the extent of her past interactions.
The controversy has intensified as the royal family faces broader scrutiny. Reports also note that the Crown Princess’s son appeared in court earlier this week on several serious charges, further drawing media attention to the family. Officials have not linked the two matters directly, but the timing has added to the pressure surrounding the royal household.
Norway’s prime minister has called for transparency, stating that public figures named in the latest batch of Epstein-related documents should clarify the nature of any contact or involvement. The government has emphasised the importance of openness and accountability, particularly for individuals in prominent public roles.
Despite the renewed attention, the royal palace has indicated that Mette-Marit has cooperated with previous inquiries and has consistently expressed regret for her past connections. Supporters argue that she has addressed the issue before, while critics believe more detailed explanations are needed.
The situation has prompted widespread discussion across Norway about public trust, the responsibilities of senior royals and how institutions respond to controversies involving historical associations. Observers say the Crown Princess’s apology reflects an effort to acknowledge public concern while seeking to move forward.
As the debate continues, the Norwegian royal family faces ongoing scrutiny over how it handles the matter and communicates with the public. For now, the Crown Princess’s renewed apology underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the broader questions it has raised within Norwegian society.