Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit Speaks Out on Jeffrey Epstein Relationship

"Of course, I wish I had never met him," the princess said in a candid interview.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In her first interview on the topic, Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened up about her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying she deeply regrets meeting him and that she was "manipulated and deceived" by him. The princess also discussed her health issues and the impact the situation has had on her family.

Why it matters

The revelations about Princess Mette-Marit's ties to Epstein have raised concerns about the royal family's judgment and the potential damage to public trust in the Norwegian monarchy. Her candid interview is an attempt to address these issues and take responsibility for her actions.

The details

Princess Mette-Marit said she was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through "several" mutual acquaintances who worked in global health and organizational life. She acknowledged that she "didn't investigate his background more carefully" and took responsibility for being "manipulated and deceived" by Epstein. The princess also revealed that she visited Epstein's home in Palm Beach, where he "behaved towards me in a way that I didn't like," leading her to call her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, to say she felt unsafe and wanted to leave. Mette-Marit said she eventually ceased contact with Epstein in 2014 after hearing "more rumors that he wasn't a good person."

  • Princess Mette-Marit and Jeffrey Epstein were introduced in 2011 through mutual acquaintances.
  • In October 2012, the princess complained about attending a "boring wedding" in an email to Epstein.
  • Mette-Marit visited Epstein's home in Palm Beach at some point, where she felt uncomfortable with his behavior towards her.
  • The princess broke off contact with Epstein in the summer of 2014.

The players

Princess Mette-Marit

The Crown Princess of Norway, who has dealt with pulmonary fibrosis and is preparing for a lung transplant.

Crown Prince Haakon

The husband of Princess Mette-Marit, who was present during the interview and shared his recollections of the situation.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had a relationship with Princess Mette-Marit, which she now deeply regrets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Of course, I wish I had never met him.”

— Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway

“I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out myself. I wish I had the rest of that email correspondence. I don't know what I found, and I don't know if it was information he had asked me to Google. I wish I had remembered what it was, it would probably have made my life a little easier now…But if I had found information that made me realize that he was an abuser and sex offender, I wouldn't have written a smiley face behind it.”

— Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway

“I remember the conversation. It was a situation she was put in that made her feel unsafe and didn't really want to be there anymore.”

— Crown Prince Haakon

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.