Royal experts have cautioned that Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s efforts to portray her association with Jeffrey Epstein as just an “accidental contact with the bad guys” are starting to fall apart. This comes in light of newly unsealed documents that have reignited doubts about her judgment and credibility.
Mette-Marit is referenced in over 1,000 files released from various investigations into Epstein. Reports from Norwegian outlets indicate that she had meetings and other interactions with him between 2011 and 2013 and maintained communication until 2014. The release of these documents escalates the scrutiny facing Norway’s royal family, particularly concerning her past actions and future role.
“Epstein takes full responsibility for his actions. I must take responsibility for not investigating his background more thoroughly and for not recognizing the type of person he was sooner,” Mette-Marit stated.
She expressed deep regret and acknowledged her poor judgment for any past contact with Epstein, feeling ashamed and extending sympathy to his victims.
Newly disclosed email communications between Mette-Marit and Epstein were part of the 3 million records released by the Department of Justice on Friday. Royal commentator Amanda Matta pointed out that Mette-Marit’s apology could heighten the crisis surrounding her, especially considering the timing of their contact.
Matta mentioned, “This is her second apology regarding the relationship. It won’t be easy to dismiss this as merely accidental.” The emails are more extensive than previously known and raise further questions about the Crown Princess’ judgment. Why did she maintain contact with someone like Epstein? Why did she not grasp earlier who he really was?
Many also scrutinize the timeline of her encounters with Epstein, especially since she had previously claimed that contact ended in 2013. “We need to question whether the palace’s prior framework was lacking,” Matta added. The public now senses they weren’t told the full truth, which is damaging trust, even if no wrongdoing occurred.
It’s worth noting that other royals also have connections to Epstein, including former Prince Andrew and Princess Sofia of Sweden, who met with Epstein several times but claims there was no relationship.
Experts believe that Mette-Marit’s situation is unique and more serious than Sofia’s. Commentator Meredith Constant pointed out that the timing couldn’t be worse, especially with the arrest of her son on different charges. This crisis casts a shadow over the royal family’s image.
Marius Borg Højby, her eldest son from a previous relationship, faced trial on multiple criminal charges, including rape, which adds another layer of difficulty for the Crown Princess.
With her son’s legal troubles and the public’s growing doubts about her readiness for royal duties, there’s uncertainty about Mette-Marit’s future. Matta commented that the Norwegian public is questioning her fitness to be queen, similar to the sentiments expressed before her wedding years ago. If the royal family does not treat this situation as a significant crisis, it might lead to further complications.
