Norway’s crown princess apologises over Epstein contacts

Norway’s crown princess has apologised to those she has “disappointed” following days of scrutiny of her contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s communications and contacts with Epstein have put her in the spotlight in recent days, adding to the embarrassment to the royals as her son went to trial this week for multiple offences including charges of rape.

The Epstein files contained several hundred mentions of the crown princess, who said in 2019 that she regretted having had contact with Epstein, Norwegian media reported.

The documents, which include email exchanges, showed that Mette-Marit borrowed an Epstein-owned property in Palm Beach, Florida, for several days in 2013.

Broadcaster NRK reported that the stay was arranged through a mutual friend, which was later confirmed by the royal household.

The royal palace said on Friday that Mette-Marit wants to talk about what happened and explain herself in more detail but is unable to at present.

It added that she is in a very difficult situation and “hopes for understanding that she needs time to gather her thoughts”.

It also issued a statement from the crown princess herself, her second in a week, in which she reiterated her deep regret for her past friendship with Epstein.

“It is important for me to apologise to all of you whom I have disappointed,” she said. “Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the situation I have put the royal family in, especially the King and Queen.”

Mette-Marit said in a statement issued shortly after the latest Epstein files were released that she “must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly, and for not realising sooner what kind of person he was”.

She added: “I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing.”