In brief
In a heartfelt interview with Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened up about her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, saying she feels manipulated and deceived. She expressed regret over not checking his background thoroughly, as her previously undisclosed relationships with the disgraced financier come under scrutiny following the release of Epstein files. The princess emphasized her intentions to take responsibility for her actions and voiced her ongoing anger for Epstein's victims.
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has told national TV that she wishes she had never met late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, breaking her silence after the extent of her contacts with him emerged.
I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realise it from the start, Mette-Marit revealed in a moving 20-minute interview where she often appeared on the verge of tears.
About seven weeks ago, it became public that the Crown Princess had exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein between 2011 and 2014, and even stayed at his Florida residence when he wasn’t there.
She expressed, It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully, while acknowledging that she felt deceived.
She reiterated, And to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was. After the close nature of her links to Epstein came to light, Mette-Marit had already apologized and admitted to poor judgement.
During the interview, she stated, Of course I wish I had never met him, adding that it was Epstein's victims who truly deserved justice from the extensive abuse they suffered.
Her decision to speak publicly followed intense scrutiny, including pressure from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. While maintaining a defensive tone at times, the princess was candid about her unenviable situation.
Sitting next to her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit claimed she was unaware of Epstein’s predatory behavior, asserting, I didn't know he was a sex offender or a predator. However, a profile about Epstein had made it clear he was a convicted abuser.
Crown Prince Haakon, recalling a phone call from his wife during an uncomfortable situation at Epstein's residence, acknowledged how it left her feeling unsafe. Despite feeling uneasy, Mette-Marit continued her communication with Epstein for some time, admitting she was overly trusting.
The aftermath of the interview has raised questions among royal commentators about the future roles of the Norwegian royal family and the potential impact of these disclosures on Mette-Marit’s health and her capacity to fulfill royal duties.
Overall, the Crown Princess's reflections extend beyond her personal account—they encompass the complexity of trust intertwined with the tumultuous nature of her past associations and the broader issue of victims' justice.
