Norway’s crown princess apologises over Epstein ties amid royal embarrassment

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseFebruary 6, 2026 at 04:12 PM

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Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued an apology on Friday for her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging the embarrassment it has caused the royal family. Her name appeared in recently released US Justice Department documents, revealing a closer-than-expected relationship with Epstein. Mette-Marit stated she deeply regrets the friendship and apologized to those she disappointed, including the King and Queen. The palace statement indicated the Crown Princess, 52, wished to provide more details but is currently unable to due to a "very demanding situation." Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008 and died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Haakon 40% Norway 50% United States 60% Mette-Marit ×280% Jeffrey Epstein ×390%

Keywords

crown princess mette-marit 100% jeffrey epstein 100% royal family 80% apology 70% sex offender 60% friendship 50% embarrassment 50% us justice department 50%