Crown Princess Mette-Marit releases statement over 'embarrassing' correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has issued a statement after her name was brought up again in relation to late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

As more of the Epstein Files were unsealed on Friday, the Norwegian royal's name appeared in correspondence with the convicted sex offender.

Messages between the pair included discussions about her family life, meeting at his Florida home, and Epstein's attempts at "wife hunting".

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Mette-Marit released a statement to Norwegian broadcaster NRK and said it was "embarrassing" to be named in the files.

The royal has previously asserted she had no knowledge of his crimes.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on Mette-Marit's part.

"Jeffrey Epstein is responsible for his actions. I must take responsibility for not checking Epstein's background better and for not understanding quickly enough what kind of person he was," she told the broadcaster.

"I deeply regret that, and this is a responsibility I must take. I showed poor judgment and regret ever having any contact with Epstein.

"It is simply embarrassing."

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Mette-Marit was first linked to the disgraced financier in 2019.

At the time, she issued a statement that read: "I would never have had anything to do with Epstein if I had been aware of the seriousness of his criminal acts. I should have investigated Epstein's past and regret that I did not."

"Through years of work with questions regarding international health issues, I have witnessed firsthand the kind of damage sexual assault does to women and children," she continued.

"We all have a responsibility to fight sexual assault and to support the victims. I wish to express my deepest sympathy and solidarity to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein."

It's believed Mette-Marit was introduced to Epstein through a mutual friend.

"One of the meetings was at Epstein's home," Guri Varpe, communications chief at the Royal Palace, told DN at the time.

"In addition, the crown princess had a brief meeting with Epstein once when he was in Oslo."

"During the time the crown princess had contact with Mr. Epstein, she was not aware of the scope, nor the character of the crimes he had been convicted of, and subsequently served time in jail," Varpe said.

"She was naturally not aware of the crimes that have been uncovered later."

Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, also met Epstein briefly "on the street" while on holiday in St. Barts in 2012.

"Then Crown Prince Haakon greeted Epstein for the first and only time," Varpe said.

"In 2013, Mette-Marit chose to conclude her association with Mr. Epstein.

"Partly, this was because she felt that Mr. Epstein attempted to trade on the relationship he had to the crown princess, and use it for his own gain in other relations."

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