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Norway’s Crown Princess Issues Apology Over Past Friendship With Jeffrey Epstein

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a “profound apology” after revelations emerged about her past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released by the palace, she apologised to the Norwegian public and to the Royal House, saying the messages she exchanged with Epstein over several years did not reflect the person she wished to be. The apology followed days of public and media pressure after hundreds of emails between the two from 2011 to 2014 were made public by the US justice department.

The correspondence revealed a warm tone and included discussions about meeting in person, as well as a four-day stay by the crown princess at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence while he was absent. The palace said Mette-Marit was deeply saddened that she had failed to recognise earlier what kind of person Epstein was, despite being aware he had served a prison sentence in 2008. While an earlier statement acknowledged “poor judgement”, the latest apology sought to address growing calls for greater clarity and accountability.

The controversy comes at a difficult time for Norway’s royal family, already under strain due to a high-profile criminal trial involving the crown princess’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, who faces multiple charges he denies. Crown Prince Haakon said the family’s priority was caring for one another amid intense scrutiny. The palace added that Mette-Marit, who is seriously ill with pulmonary fibrosis and awaiting a possible lung transplant, needs time to recover and gather herself before making further comments.

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Norway Crown Princess’s Son Denies Rape Charges, Admits Lesser Offences in Trial

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Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, pleaded not guilty to rape and domestic violence charges as his high-profile trial began in Oslo. Hoiby faces 38 charges in total, including multiple rape allegations that could lead to several years in prison if proven. While denying the most serious accusations, he admitted to lesser offences such as offensive sexual behaviour, reckless driving and driving without a valid licence, and partially admitted to aggravated assault under Norwegian law.

Prosecutors stressed that Hoiby would receive no special treatment despite his royal connections, stating he would be judged like any other Norwegian citizen. Hoiby’s defence argued that intense media coverage had already created unfair pressure on him. During the court session, Hoiby appeared visibly emotional, sitting behind his legal team as proceedings unfolded. Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon stated that the royal family would not attend the trial but expressed support for his stepson while also acknowledging the suffering of alleged victims.

The case has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s royal family, already facing health concerns and controversies in recent years. Public support for the monarchy has reportedly declined, with recent polling showing reduced approval levels compared to last year. Despite this, Norway’s parliament recently voted strongly in favour of maintaining the monarchy. The trial continues as authorities examine a range of allegations, including assault, drug possession and violation of a restraining order.

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Norway’s Royals Face Scrutiny as Stepson Faces Rape Trial

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Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, has gone on trial in Oslo district court, facing 38 charges including rape, assault, drug offenses, and property damage. The court has banned photography during the seven-week trial, and the royal family, including his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, will not attend. Høiby has admitted to some lesser offenses, but denies the most serious sexual assault allegations.

The case has put Norway’s royal family under an intense media spotlight, despite Høiby not being an official royal. The trial involves testimonies from multiple women, including former girlfriend and social influencer Nora Haukland, highlighting serious allegations of physical abuse and sexual assault. Norwegian media describe the case as the biggest scandal the royal family has faced in recent history.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is battling pulmonary fibrosis, limiting her public engagement, while other senior royals continue to support victims and navigate the delicate balance between family loyalty and public responsibility. The monarchy remains widely respected in Norway, with polls showing 73% of citizens continue to support the royal institution despite the ongoing trial.

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Norway’s Crown Princess May Need Lung Transplant as Health Worsens

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is likely to require a lung transplant after her health deteriorated significantly in recent months, the royal household has announced. The 52-year-old princess was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a progressive lung disease that causes scarring and restricts breathing. Medical tests carried out this autumn showed a clear worsening of her condition, prompting doctors to begin preparations for a possible transplant evaluation.

Although no final decision has been taken on placing her on the transplant waiting list, doctors at Oslo University Hospital said the process towards assessing her eligibility has begun. In Norway, lung transplants are limited, with typically 20 to 40 patients waiting at any given time, and the palace stressed that Princess Mette-Marit would not receive preferential treatment. Her healthcare team is making necessary preparations to ensure a transplant can be carried out if and when required.

The palace said the princess now needs more rest and a carefully managed exercise routine, but she remains keen to continue her royal duties, which will be adjusted to suit her health. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, said she struggles more with breathing and has less energy, making activities such as hiking and skiing impossible. Despite the risks involved, the princess acknowledged that a transplant may become necessary as pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease that can worsen rapidly.

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