Jeffrey Epstein’s Emails to Norway Crown Princess Spark Fresh Royal Controversy

Fresh controversy has erupted around Norway’s royal family after newly released files revealed a series of informal and personal email exchanges between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The emails, which date back to 2012, have reignited scrutiny of the princess’s past association with Epstein and raised questions about judgment and accountability within the royal establishment.

According to the disclosed correspondence, Epstein sent multiple messages to the Crown Princess that carried a flirtatious tone. In one email, he wrote that he was “on a wife hunt,” adding that while Paris was interesting, he preferred Scandinavians. Responding to this, Mette-Marit expressed surprise, writing that she was still trying to process the idea that he was looking for a wife. In another exchange, Epstein made references to young Scandinavian women and commented on Oslo, to which the Crown Princess replied with a light-hearted remark and suggested a follow-up call.

The emails also included more casual and philosophical exchanges. In one instance, Epstein shared a science-related article and jokingly said he hoped it would not make the princess sad, referencing her tendency to “live in the land of make-believe.” Mette-Marit responded warmly, saying that his messages made her smile and that he “tickled her brain.” These remarks, now public, have drawn sharp criticism given Epstein’s later exposure as a serial sexual offender.

The revelations have once again placed Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, under intense public scrutiny. Following the release of the emails, the 52-year-old Crown Princess issued a public apology through the royal palace. She admitted to exercising poor judgment and expressed deep regret over maintaining any contact with Epstein.

In her statement, the Crown Princess acknowledged that while Epstein alone was responsible for his crimes, she bore responsibility for failing to sufficiently investigate his background and for not recognising sooner the nature of his actions. She described the association as embarrassing and said she regretted the lapse in judgment that led to the continued contact.

Mette-Marit had previously confirmed in 2019 that she had known Epstein between 2011 and 2013, a period that overlaps with the timing of the emails now under discussion. The renewed focus on these interactions has proven particularly damaging for the Norwegian monarchy, which has traditionally maintained a strong public image rooted in transparency and integrity.

The timing of the revelations has further complicated matters for the royal family. The controversy emerges as Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is facing multiple criminal charges, including allegations of rape, assault, and drug-related offences. He has denied the most serious accusations, but the case has already cast a long shadow over the family’s public standing.

Together, these developments have intensified debate in Norway over royal accountability, personal associations, and the responsibilities that come with public roles. While the emails do not suggest criminal conduct on the part of the Crown Princess, their tone and context have reopened uncomfortable questions about her past judgment and the broader implications for the credibility of the monarchy.