Norway's Crown Princess Faces Scrutiny Over Years of Contact with Epstein

Newly released files show extensive communication between Mette-Marit and the late financier, raising questions about her judgment

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A fresh tranche of files released by the US justice department appears to show years of contact between the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, reviving questions about Epstein's extensive network of elite acquaintances. The documents reportedly include nearly a thousand references to the Norwegian royal, along with numerous email exchanges suggesting communication between the two from 2011 to 2014.

Why it matters

The revelations have emerged at a particularly delicate moment for the Norwegian monarchy, already dealing with a separate legal crisis involving the crown princess's son. The developments have intensified scrutiny of one of Europe's most popular royal families, raising questions about the judgment and associations of those in positions of power.

The details

The newly released files include dozens of emails exchanged between Mette-Marit and Epstein during the early 2010s, years after the financier had already pleaded guilty to charges in the United States related to soliciting prostitution from a minor. Some of the messages appear strikingly informal, with the crown princess describing Epstein as 'soft hearted' and 'such a sweetheart'. The correspondence sometimes drifted into playful territory, with the princess joking about finding 'naked women carrying a surfboard' as wallpaper for her 15-year-old son's room. The documents also indicate that the crown princess spent four days at Epstein's property in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2013.

  • In 2011, the crown princess told Epstein she had 'Googled' him and wrote that 'it didn't look too good'.
  • The written communication between the pair ended in 2014 after the crown princess became uncomfortable with the relationship.

The players

Mette-Marit

The Crown Princess of Norway, who is embroiled in a scandal over her years of contact with Jeffrey Epstein.

Marius Borg Høiby

The crown princess's son, who is due to stand trial in Oslo on multiple criminal charges, including the alleged rape of four women.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late American financier who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor and had an extensive network of elite acquaintances.

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What they’re saying

“I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing.”

— Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway (Royal palace statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving the crown princess's son will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has drawn in members of Europe's royal families and raised questions about the judgment and associations of those in positions of power. The developments have intensified scrutiny of the Norwegian monarchy, testing the public's trust in its leadership.