Norway To Probe Epstein Revelations As Crown Princess Expresses 'Deep Regret Over Friendship'

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 20:15 IST

Norway faces scrutiny as Crown Princess Mette-Marit and top officials are linked to Epstein, sparking debate over her future as queen and prompting a foreign ministry inquiry.

Norway, home to the Nobel Peace Prize and a key hub of international diplomacy, looks set to launch an inquiry into its foreign ministry following revelations about links between prominent Norwegians and the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The scandal, which has shaken several European countries, has prompted scrutiny of politicians, royals, and other high-profile figures.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, publicly expressed “deep regret" over her friendship with Epstein, apologising for the embarrassment caused to the royal family.

“I deeply regret my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of those whom I have disappointed … I also regret the situation I have put the royal family in, especially the king and queen," she said in a statement from the palace.

The princess’s name appeared in new documents released last week by the US Justice Department, showing an unexpectedly close friendship between her and Epstein.

While the mention of her name does not imply wrongdoing, the revelations have sparked debate over whether she should eventually become queen. A recent poll found almost half of Norwegians believe she should not ascend to the throne.

The documents show exchanges between Mette-Marit and Epstein from 2011 to 2014, including casual emails that have drawn public attention. At the same time, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has urged her to provide explanations regarding the correspondence.

Other high-profile Norwegians are also under scrutiny. Former prime minister and foreign minister Thorbjorn Jagland, former foreign minister Borge Brende—now CEO of the World Economic Forum—and diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Roed-Larsen are being investigated for potential links to Epstein. Jagland, for example, faces allegations of “aggravated corruption" in connection with the case.

The scandal comes at a challenging time for the crown princess, who is caring for her 29-year-old son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, currently facing trial on 38 charges, including rape and assault. She also suffers from an incurable lung disease that may require a transplant in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Norway To Probe Epstein Revelations As Crown Princess Expresses 'Deep Regret Over Friendship'

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