Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has given a profound apology to the Norwegian public for her friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after it was revealed that they exchanged messages for three years.
In a palace statement, she said, I also apologise for the situation in which I have placed the Royal House, especially the King and Queen, following days of growing pressure to clarify her relationship with Epstein.
The King, Harald V, and Queen Sonja, both aged 88, have remained silent on the matter. Crown Prince Haakon did comment, noting that his wife wanted to speak but was currently unable to due to the circumstances.
Hundreds of emails from 2011-2014 were revealed in a file release by the US Justice Department. These exchanges reportedly included proposals for in-person meetings and confirmed that she spent four days at Epstein's Palm Beach home when he was absent.
The nature of her communications has surprised many in Norway, as some messages indicated her awareness of Epstein's troubled past. In one instance, she noted in an email, Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good.\
Initially, a statement issued last Saturday acknowledged her poor judgment, but further information was demanded, resulting in her latest statement, which expressed deep remorse for not recognizing Epstein's true character sooner.
It is important for me to say I am sorry to all those I have disappointed. Some of the content in the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be, she added.
As the controversy unfolds, the royal family is simultaneously facing another challenge. Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, is embroiled in a high-profile trial facing serious charges, including four counts of rape.
The drama surrounding the crown princess's past and her son’s allegations has highlighted the intense glare of public scrutiny faced by the royal family, further amplified by Mette-Marit's ongoing health struggles amid her preparation for potential lung transplantation.
