Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently shared her feelings of insecurity and manipulation during a 2013 encounter with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at his Florida mansion. In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, she stated that Epstein deceived her and left her feeling unsafe. The royal couple’s first public discussion about their relationship with Epstein came as Mette-Marit’s son, Marious Borg Høiby, concluded a criminal trial on charges of rape, for which he denies the allegations.
The Epstein files contain numerous references to Mette-Marit, who has previously apologized for any discomfort caused to the royal family. She met Epstein in 2011 and their relationship continued until 2014, despite her unawareness that he was a sex offender. In an email exchange, she referred to him as someone who “tickles my brain.” The Crown Princess expressed guilt over the victims of Epstein’s alleged crimes and acknowledged her responsibility for not thoroughly researching his background.
The interview took place on the same day Mette-Marit’s son faced trial, where prosecutors sought a seven-year-and-seven-month sentence for rape. A verdict is expected in early June. Due to health issues related to pulmonary fibrosis, Mette-Marit had limited time for the interview. She emphasized that she wishes she never met Epstein and expressed her regret over not being more cautious.