Mette-Marit has said she was “manipulated and deceived” in her past relationship with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in a candid interview aired Friday.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the Crown Princess acknowledged that she regretted the association and should have investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly.
“Of course I wish I had never met him,” she said. “It is extremely important for me to acknowledge that I did not look into his past more carefully, and also to acknowledge that I was manipulated and deceived to such an extent.”
Mette-Marit, who married Haakon in 2001, has come under increased scrutiny after her name appeared multiple times in documents released earlier this year by the US Department of Justice. The revelations sparked public debate in Norway about her suitability to eventually become queen.
Addressing speculation about the nature of their relationship, she insisted it was purely platonic. “It was a friendly relationship: above all, he was a friend to me,” she said, firmly denying any inappropriate involvement.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Newly surfaced emails and reports have shed light on the closeness of his ties with high-profile figures, including the Crown Princess.
Mette-Marit admitted that some of the published correspondence now appears “embarrassing,” but maintained that she ended the relationship after a series of unspecified incidents. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, who was present during the interview, said one such incident left her feeling “a little unsafe.”
“I’m not the one to feel sorry for,” the princess added. “It’s all the victims who’ve been subjected to these serious abuses who deserve justice.”
The interview marks her first public comments since details of her connection to Epstein resurfaced in January. The controversy comes at a difficult time for the royal family, as her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces legal challenges, with prosecutors seeking a lengthy prison sentence over multiple allegations he denies.
Mette-Marit is also managing an ongoing health condition, an incurable lung disease that may require a future transplant. She cited both personal and family challenges as reasons for delaying her response.
Despite the criticism, she expressed commitment to her role in the monarchy, saying she hopes to continue supporting Crown Prince Haakon.
“If my health permits,” she added.
Her husband voiced strong support, describing her as “caring, wise and really strong,” and affirming his desire to have her by his side during challenging times.
