Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s “Epstein Interview” Fails to Calm Public Outrage…
The Norwegian monarchy is facing what historians call its most severe crisis in modern history following a highly anticipated NRK interview with Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Despite the 20-minute session intended to clear the air, the Crown Princess left many questions unanswered regarding her three-year “friendship” with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The timing of the interview was particularly acute, occurring on the same day the criminal trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, concluded in Oslo.
While the Crown Princess expressed regret and claimed she was “manipulated and deceived,” critics argue the appearance lacked the direct public apology and transparency required to restore confidence in her future role as Queen.
The “Epstein Files” and a Timeline of Contact
The recent release of millions of declassified U.S. documents, known as the “Epstein Files,” has exposed the depth of a relationship that Mette-Marit previously downplayed.
Emails and texts from 2011 to 2014 show frequent “banter” and mutual invitations, including a four-day stay at Epstein’s Palm Beach estate in 2013.
Crucially, a 2011 email revealed Mette-Marit had “Googled” Epstein and noted his record “didn’t look too good,” followed by a smiley face—contradicting her claims that she was unaware of his 2008 sex crimes conviction.
The files also contained a controversial exchange where she asked Epstein for advice on using a photo of “two naked women on a surfboard” as wallpaper for her then-15-year-old son’s room.
A Perfect Storm of Royal Scandals
The Epstein controversy is not the only shadow over the Royal Palace. The monarchy is currently grappling with a series of high-profile legal and personal crises:
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Marius Borg Høiby Trial: The Crown Princess’s eldest son recently finished a 28-day trial facing 38 criminal counts, including four rapes and domestic violence. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of over seven years.
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Princess Märtha Louise: The King’s daughter continues to draw criticism for her controversial business ventures and her 2024 marriage to a self-proclaimed shaman.
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Health Battles: Mette-Marit continues to struggle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that reportedly limits her public duties and may eventually require a lung transplant.
Public Support Hits Record Lows
The cumulative effect of these scandals has caused a historic collapse in public trust in the 121-year-old institution.
A recent poll by Norstat for NRK shows support for the monarchy has plummeted to 60%, the lowest level since records began.
More strikingly, only 28.9% of Norwegians now believe Mette-Marit should become Queen, with nearly half of the population explicitly opposing her future reign.
While King Harald V, now 89, remains personally popular with a 9.2/10 approval rating, the scandals of the next generation are fueling a growing republican movement in the Storting (Parliament).
What’s Next?
The Norwegian Parliament has already voted to appoint an independent commission to investigate any ties between the country’s Foreign Office and Epstein’s network.
The verdict in the Marius Borg Høiby trial is expected in early June 2026, which will likely bring the Royal Family back into a harsh legal spotlight.
Crown Prince Haakon has publicly vowed to stand by his wife’s side as they approach their Silver Wedding Anniversary in August, but the palace has yet to announce any celebratory festivities.
The coming months will be a “trial by fire” for the couple as they attempt to rebuild a foundation of legitimacy before they eventually ascend to the throne.
Summary
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s attempt to explain her ties to Jeffrey Epstein has largely backfired, leaving the Norwegian monarchy in a state of reputational collapse.
With her son facing a potential seven-year prison sentence and her own personal approval ratings in freefall, the future of the Crown remains uncertain.
The “Epstein Files” have painted a picture of poor judgment and evasiveness that many Norwegians find incompatible with the role of a Queen.
Bulleted Takeaways
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The Interview: Mette-Marit told NRK she felt “manipulated” by Epstein but failed to explain why she maintained contact for years after researching his criminal past.
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The Files: Declassified documents show nearly 1,000 mentions of the Crown Princess, detailing stays at Epstein’s homes and intimate “banter.”
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Public Opinion: Support for the monarchy has dropped to a record low of 60%, with Mette-Marit’s personal approval rating crashing from 7.9 to 3.7.
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Family Legal Woes: Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is awaiting a verdict on 38 criminal counts, including rape.
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Political Pressure: Opposition leaders and the Prime Minister have expressed “disappointment” and called for full disclosure.
