Published：Mar 18, 10:58Last updated：Mar 20, 12:38

Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit Addresses Epstein Scandal Amid Son’s High-Profile Trial

Mar. 18, 2026 10:58

Marius Borg Høiby, son of Mette-Marit, is on trial in Oslo since February 2026, facing multiple charges including rape. The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of over seven years. The case involves serious allegations and is ongoing as of March 18th.

Summarized

22News

9Media

Mar. 20, 2026 12:36

Mette-Marit, Norway’s crown princess, stated she was manipulated and deceived by Jeffrey Epstein, claiming she did not know he was a sex offender. She revealed that she had recently Googled Epstein in 2011, three years after his prison sentence for soliciting sex from underage girls. Her comments mark her first public acknowledgment of her relationship with Epstein.

Mar. 20, 2026 12:38

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit stated that she wishes she had never met Jeffrey Epstein, the late US sex offender. The statement was made on March 20, 2026. She expressed her regret about the encounter, implying she was unaware of Epstein's predatory behavior at the time.

As the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, concludes with a verdict expected in early June, the Norwegian royal family faces unprecedented scrutiny. While Høiby’s case—centered on multiple rape and abuse allegations—has dominated headlines, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has broken her silence regarding her controversial ties to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, revealing new details about their relationship and her feelings of manipulation and regret. The convergence of these scandals has intensified public debate about accountability and transparency within Norway’s monarchy. Tagesschau.de+2

⚖️ The Charges and Legal Proceedings

Marius Borg Høiby stands accused of 40 charges, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse, breaches of restraining orders, drug offenses, and driving violations, spanning from 2018 to 2024. Prosecutors have demanded a sentence of seven years and seven months. Høiby has admitted to some lesser charges but denies the most serious allegations. The trial, held at the Oslo District Court since February, has involved extensive testimony and closing arguments. The verdict is expected in early June, and the case has placed the royal family under intense scrutiny. Tagesschau.de+2

👑 Princess Mette-Marit’s Epstein Revelations

In a candid 20-minute TV interview aired on March 20, 2026, Crown Princess Mette-Marit admitted to having exchanged emails with Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014 and staying at his Florida mansion. She described feeling manipulated and unsafe during a 2013 encounter, stating she was unaware of Epstein’s criminal background at the time. The princess expressed deep regret, apologized for her poor judgment, and emphasized her support for Epstein’s victims, marking her first public acknowledgment of the relationship. BBC News+2

📰 Public and Media Response

The simultaneous unfolding of Høiby’s trial and Mette-Marit’s revelations has fueled intense media coverage and public debate in Norway and internationally. The monarchy’s reputation faces significant challenges, with calls for accountability and transparency. Media scrutiny has been especially sharp following the princess’s interview, as both scandals have reignited discussions about privilege, justice, and the responsibilities of public figures. BBC News+2

Mette-MaritMarius Borg HøibyOslo District CourtNorwegian Crown Princess