In a candid television interview broadcast Friday, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit revealed she was “manipulated and deceived” by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking her first public comments since court documents revealed their unexpected friendship earlier this year.
The 52-year-old royal, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, addressed the growing controversy surrounding her association with the disgraced financier during a 20-minute conversation with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK. Seated beside her supportive husband, the princess occasionally fought back tears as she discussed the relationship that has raised questions about her fitness to eventually become queen.
“Of course I wish I had never met him,” Mette-Marit stated emphatically, acknowledging her failure to properly investigate Epstein’s background. “It is extremely important for me to acknowledge that I did not look into his past more carefully, and also to acknowledge that I was manipulated and deceived to such an extent.”
The crown princess specifically addressed speculation about the nature of their relationship, characterizing Epstein primarily as “a friend to me” while firmly denying any romantic involvement. She described published email exchanges containing lighthearted banter and smiley emojis as “embarrassing” and attributed their tone to “camaraderie” rather than intimacy.
Mette-Marit disclosed that she ultimately terminated the friendship after several concerning incidents, including one in Palm Beach where she felt “a little unsafe.” She revealed gaining firsthand knowledge of Epstein’s extortion tactics against others, stating, “I had come to understand that this was a bad person, whom people should not be in contact with.”
The interview occurred against a backdrop of multiple personal challenges for the princess, including her son’s ongoing legal troubles and her battle with an incurable lung disease that may eventually require a risky transplant. She cited these health concerns as contributing to her delayed response to the Epstein revelations.
Despite the controversy, both the crown princess and prince expressed mutual support and commitment to their royal roles. “Mette is caring, wise and really strong,” Haakon affirmed. “That’s why I would always want her by my side.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store welcomed the princess’s accountability, while royal commentators noted some questions remained unanswered regarding the extent of her knowledge about Epstein’s criminal past.