Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Years-Long Correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein Revealed
Documents released Friday reveal that Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway engaged in a years-long exchange of messages with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sparking renewed scrutiny of her past associations. The correspondence, spanning from 2011 to 2014, included personal details and discussions on a range of topics, from literature to health, raising questions about the nature of their relationship and the Crown Princess’s judgment.
The revelations come as investigations into Epstein’s extensive network of associates continue, highlighting how he cultivated relationships with powerful and influential figures. Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, was accused of widespread abuse and exploitation of young women.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has previously acknowledged contact with Epstein, expressing regret and stating she should have more thoroughly investigated his background. In a statement released Friday, she reiterated her sympathy for Epstein’s victims, saying, “I want to express my deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuse that Jeffery Epstein committed.”
The newly released documents, obtained by Norwegian media outlet VG, demonstrate a level of familiarity and openness in the dialogue. The correspondence began in February 2011, when Bill Gates’ long-time advisor, Boris Nikolic, reportedly introduced the two, describing the Crown Princess as “great” but also “twisted” and “not a typical royal.” Later that year, the Crown Princess herself initiated contact, emailing Epstein to say she had “googled” him.
Their conversations then evolved to encompass shared interests in literature, including works by Michel Houellebecq and Vladimir Nabokov. Epstein responded to her literary observations, writing, “I see now what and why you like these books.” However, the exchange wasn’t always intellectual; in private correspondence with Nikolic, Epstein reportedly referred to the Crown Princess in a derogatory manner, stating, “Come save us.”
Psychologist specialist Pål Grøndahl, speaking to VG, noted the dialogue exhibited a “flirtatious or jovial tone,” while also acknowledging Epstein’s tendency to make negative comments about people behind their backs. “One can speculate whether there is a manipulative dimension to it on Epstein’s part,” Grøndahl said, pointing to the unusual familiarity in the exchange, with the Crown Princess confiding in Epstein about mundane experiences, such as finding a function “boring.”
The correspondence also revealed more personal disclosures from the Crown Princess. In October 2012, she exchanged emails with Epstein discussing Paris, the weather, and, surprisingly, “girls.” In a subject line reading “Coming to Oslo?”, she wrote, “Paris is good for adultery. Scandinavians are better wife material.”
Further exchanges in November 2012 included discussions about a wedding attended by the Norwegian royal couple in Luxembourg, which the Crown Princess described as “boring.” She also offered her assistance with decorating, asking Epstein if “she can help in any way.” That same month, a conversation touched upon the topic of “colour,” with the Crown Princess responding cryptically, and Epstein following up with a comment about her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who was 15 at the time.
In January 2013, the Crown Princess expressed a desire for Epstein to meet Crown Prince Haakon, a suggestion Epstein declined. Subsequent exchanges delved into personal health matters, including doctor’s visits and smoking habits – details VG has chosen not to reproduce. The Crown Princess also discussed a flight with Epstein, describing it as “miserable” and expressing frustration over a denied upgrade.
The Palace has referred all inquiries to previous statements, reaffirming the Crown Princess’s regret over her contact with Epstein and her assertion that she would not have engaged with him had she known the extent of his crimes. The ongoing review of the dialogue by VG promises to reveal further details about this complex and troubling relationship, and its implications for the Norwegian monarchy.
