The release of U.S. Department of Justice documents linking Crown Princess Mette‑Marit to Jeffrey Epstein has intensified scrutiny of Norway's royal family while her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces a separate rape trial. Charities and cultural institutions have distanced themselves from the crown princess, and top politicians have publicly questioned her judgment. Broader investigations and resignations tied to Epstein have expanded the fallout, leaving the monarchy's reputation and future role for Mette‑Marit uncertain.
Epstein Files Deepen Crisis for Norway’s Royal Family — Crown Princess Mette‑Marit Faces Backlash
King Harald and Queen Sonja pose with Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Oslo, Norway in 2024. - Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB/Reuters
Norway's monarchy is facing intense scrutiny after newly released U.S. Department of Justice files revealed extensive email exchanges between Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosures come as the Crown Princess's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, is on trial in Oslo on four rape charges, creating a week of overlapping scandals that have put the royal household under sustained public and political pressure.
Marius Borg Høiby on his way to a meeting with his lawyer in Oslo on January 19, 2026. - Heiko Junge/NTB/Reuters
Two Parallel Scandals
The first story concerns 29‑year‑old Marius Borg Høiby, who was visibly upset on the opening day of his trial as he denied four counts of rape. Born before Crown Princess Mette‑Marit married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, Høiby remains outside the line of succession. In a rare public statement intended to protect the institution, Crown Prince Haakon emphasized that Høiby "is not a member of the Royal House of Norway and is therefore autonomous."
Crown Princess Mette-Marit attends a dinner at Bellevue presidential palace on October 21, 2024. - Sebastian Gollnow/AFP/Getty Images
The second, and politically sharper, controversy centers on the newly disclosed email exchanges between Mette‑Marit and Epstein. The correspondence — dated years after Epstein’s earlier guilty plea for soliciting sex from a minor — portrays a warmer and more familiar relationship than previously reported and has prompted renewed questions about the Crown Princess's judgment and suitability to eventually become queen.
Newlyweds Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit pose for a photograph at the royal castle in Oslo, Norway. - AFP/Getty Images
Reaction and Apology
The Royal House said Mette‑Marit "strongly disavows Epstein's abuse and criminal acts" and expressed regret for "not having understood early enough what kind of person he was." In her own statement she accepted responsibility for showing "poor judgment" and apologized for the strain the revelations have placed on the King and Queen.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre comments on Mette-Marit's contact with Jeffrey Epstein in Oslo on Monday. - Javad Parsa/NTB/AFP/Getty Images
"Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologize for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen," the Crown Princess said.
Political Fallout and Institutional Consequences
Public and institutional reaction was swift. Norway's prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, publicly agreed with the Crown Princess's assessment that she had shown bad judgment—a rare direct rebuke from a sitting head of government toward a royal family member. Major charities and cultural organizations, including the Oslo sexual health center Sex and Society and three institutions under the crown princess's patronage, announced they would cut or review ties pending a fuller explanation.
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland speaks during a news conference in Cyprus in 2017. - Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters
Beyond the palace, the revelations have widened. Former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland is under investigation by Økokrim on suspicion of aggravated corruption over alleged gifts and benefits linked to Epstein. Veteran diplomat Mona Juul resigned after criticism that her contacts with Epstein undermined the trust required for her role. U.S. DOJ documents also name other European figures and royals; inclusion in the files does not by itself prove wrongdoing.
Institutional Risk and What Comes Next
Observers note the timing is sensitive: King Harald V is 88 and has experienced declining health in recent years, sometimes requiring Crown Prince Haakon to act as regent. Some commentators have suggested the Crown Princess might temporarily withdraw from public duties—officially for health reasons—to reduce pressure on the monarchy. Mette‑Marit has a documented diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and the palace has said she may require a lung transplant in the future.
Royal commentators say the twin controversies reinforce each other: the courtroom drama keeps public attention focused on the family even as the Epstein documents deepen reputational damage. How the Royal House responds in the coming weeks—including whether it provides fuller explanations or alters official duties—will likely determine the longer‑term impact on public confidence in the monarchy.
Reporting Notes: Developments are based on U.S. Department of Justice files and reporting from Norwegian and international outlets. Inclusion in the files is not proof of criminal conduct. The story remains fluid as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
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