Norway’s Crown Princess says Epstein ‘manipulated’ her

The release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has revealed new details about Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit. She has admitted that she now views her past contacts with the financier as a mistake and says he manipulated and deceived her.

Documents suggest they remained in contact for years after his 2008 conviction and that the Crown Princess also visited him in the United States.

Although she insists she witnessed nothing illegal and faces no charges, the extent of the relationship has prompted an unusually sharp reaction. In a statement on 6 February, she apologised to King Harald and Queen Sonja.

The case has drawn criticism from the government and prompted calls for full clarification. At the same time, it represents a sensitive reputational crisis for the monarchy.

According to a February poll, support for the royal family has fallen by ten per cent, while the number of those favouring a republic is rising.

(reuters, pir)