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Norway Crown Princess Speaks on Epstein Amid Son’s Trial

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Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has recorded an interview with NRK TV addressing her past contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview, conducted with Crown Prince Haakon at their Skaugum residence, comes as her son Marius Borg Høiby’s seven-week rape trial in Oslo nears its conclusion. The crown princess has previously apologized for exercising “poor judgement” and now aims to clarify her involvement in the Epstein files.

Høiby, 29, faces 40 charges including rape, serious assault, drug offenses, and traffic violations. While denying the most severe accusations, his defense has argued for a reduced sentence of 18 months for admitted offenses. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of over seven years, with a verdict expected in June. The trial has intensified scrutiny on the royal family, marking one of the most significant scandals they have faced in recent years.

The emergence of hundreds of emails from 2011–2014 linking Mette-Marit to Epstein further fueled public criticism. These messages revealed she visited Epstein’s Palm Beach residence and was aware of his criminal past. Meanwhile, her health has been declining due to pulmonary fibrosis, and the royal household has announced she may not attend upcoming state visits. An independent parliamentary inquiry into Epstein connections in Norway has also been approved to safeguard public trust.

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Prosecutors Seek Long Jail Term in Norway Royal-Linked Trial

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Norwegian prosecutors have called for a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Høiby, who is on trial over multiple serious charges including rape and assault. They argued he should be convicted on 39 out of 40 charges, stressing the gravity of the allegations. Høiby denies the most serious accusations, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual.

The case, heard at the Oslo district court, has drawn intense public and media attention due to Høiby’s connection to the royal family through Mette-Marit. While he is not a formal royal, he grew up within the royal household. During the trial, he admitted to some lesser offences such as drug possession, traffic violations, and breaching a restraining order, but rejected key accusations including multiple rape charges.

Prosecutors emphasized that several alleged victims were asleep or otherwise unable to consent, and said prior consensual relations were irrelevant to the charges. The defence is expected to argue against the most serious claims, with a verdict pending after judges review the case. The trial has lasted several weeks and is expected to conclude shortly.

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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’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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Digital Espionage Suspected in Early Leak of Nobel Peace Prize Winner

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Friday it believes digital espionage was likely responsible for the early exposure of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner’s identity, ahead of the official announcement. While investigators have not confirmed how the breach occurred or who was behind it, the committee said the digital domain remains the primary suspect.

Suspicion arose after betting activity surged hours before the official announcement, with large wagers placed on Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—who was ultimately named the laureate. According to committee officials, Machado’s name had not appeared in expert predictions or media coverage prior to the unusual spike in bets, which climbed to about $2.2 million.

One of Norway’s intelligence agencies participated in the investigation to determine whether the leak stemmed from an internal source or external digital spying, possibly involving criminal or state actors. While the motive remains unclear, the committee said its focus has now shifted to strengthening safeguards to prevent future breaches and protect the credibility of the prestigious award.

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NATO Faces Strain, But Russia Remains Core Threat: Norway Defence Minister

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Norway’s defence minister Tore O. Sandvik said NATO is going through a challenging period due to tensions sparked by the crisis over Greenland, but stressed that the alliance must stay focused on its primary security concern — Russia. Speaking to foreign correspondents in Oslo on Wednesday, Sandvik said the current situation within NATO is difficult, yet unity against common threats remains essential.

His remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to press for the acquisition of Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member, a move that has strained relations within the alliance. Despite these internal pressures, Sandvik emphasised that Russia continues to pose the most significant strategic threat to NATO, particularly as it expands its military footprint in the Arctic region.

Norway, which shares an Arctic border with Russia, closely monitors Russian military activity on the Kola Peninsula, home to key nuclear assets and the headquarters of Russia’s Northern Fleet. The fleet’s access route to the North Atlantic via the Barents Sea makes the region strategically critical, reinforcing NATO’s need to maintain focus on Russian military movements in the High North.

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Trump Tells Norway He No Longer Feels Bound to Pursue Only Peace

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U.S. President Donald Trump told Norway’s prime minister that he no longer feels obliged “to think purely of peace,” citing his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, while again pressing his demand for U.S. control of Greenland. The remarks were made in a written response to a message from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who had urged de-escalation and sought talks after Trump threatened tariffs on European allies over the issue.

In his message, Trump complained that Norway had not awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize despite what he described as his role in stopping multiple wars, and said he would instead focus on what is “good and proper” for the United States. Støre responded by reiterating that the Nobel Peace Prize is decided by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. Trump has openly campaigned for the award, which was last given to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Trump also questioned Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, arguing it could not adequately protect the island and disputing its historical claims, despite longstanding treaties and U.S. recognition of Danish authority. He concluded by asserting that U.S. and global security depended on “complete and total control” of Greenland, again linking the issue to NATO burden-sharing and U.S. strategic interests.

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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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Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say

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The first batch of much-anticipated F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official on Wednesday. This delivery is expected to aid Ukraine in restoring its weakened air force. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, have long been sought by Ukraine due to their significant firepower and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.” A U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the delivery has been completed.

Denmark has pledged a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 aircraft. Both nations have played a key role in forming an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also announced it will donate six F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have undergone training with the help of Western allies for several months.

As Ukraine has fought against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, it has relied on a limited fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Ukrainian officials consider the addition of F-16s a crucial enhancement for their Air Force. However, analysts and officials indicate that while the F-16s will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, they are unlikely to be a decisive factor in the ongoing conflict.

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Norway’s King Harald to scale back official duties

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Norway’s King Harald, one of Europe’s longest-reigning monarchs, has decided to reduce his participation in official duties due to his age and recent health issues. At 88 years old, the king has faced illness, including a recent hospitalization in Malaysia where he received treatment for an infection and a pacemaker for a low heart rate. His absence from public appearances has been filled by his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

The royal household announced that King Harald will permanently reduce his public engagements, with adjustments made to his official activities. Despite facing health challenges, King Harald has adamantly stated his commitment to remain in his role until the end, as he views his oath as a lifelong commitment. Despite his health concerns, King Harald remains highly esteemed by Norwegians, with a majority expressing support for him to continue as monarch rather than abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

Throughout his reign, King Harald has been known for his progressive stance on various issues, including LGBT equality and refugee rights. In a notable speech in 2016, he expressed solidarity with diverse communities in Norway, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.

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