Epstein Scandal Shakes Norway: Crown Princess Apologizes Amid Probes

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

OSLO, NORWAY — The release of extensive files by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has triggered a political earthquake in Norway, leading to a public apology from Crown Princess Mette-Marit and criminal investigations into several of the nation's most prominent former leaders.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a written statement expressing "deep regret" and a "sincere apology" to those she has disappointed following days of intense scrutiny over her past ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 52-year-old royal, who has previously disavowed her relationship with Epstein, stated that her association was "simply embarrassing" and that she failed to recognize his true character at the time. Palace communications noted she is in a "very difficult situation" and requires time to gather her thoughts as the public reacts to emails showing she borrowed Epstein’s Palm Beach property in 2013 and maintained friendly contact as late as 2014.

Former PM Jagland Under "Aggravated Corruption" Probe

The scandal has moved beyond the royal household, as Norwegian police announced on February 5, 2026, the opening of an "aggravated corruption" investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Authorities are reviewing thousands of documents to determine if Jagland received illegal gifts, travel, or loans in connection with his past roles, which include serving as the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Released emails indicate Jagland made plans to visit Epstein's private island with his family in 2014—a trip that was ultimately cancelled—and had discussed settling on the island if Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. election. Authorities are currently seeking to lift Jagland’s diplomatic immunity to proceed with a more comprehensive inquiry.

Davos CEO and High-Level Diplomats Facing Scrutiny

The fallout also reached the World Economic Forum (WEF), which confirmed on February 6, 2026, that it has initiated an independent review of its CEO, former Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende. Brende, who served as Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2017, requested the review himself after DOJ files showed he attended at least three "business dinners" with Epstein in New York in 2018 and 2019. Brende maintains he was "completely unaware" of Epstein's criminal background.

Additionally, Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul, the current envoy to Jordan and a key figure in the 1990s Oslo Accords, has been suspended pending an investigation. DOJ files allegedly show that Epstein left $10 million in his will to Juul’s children.

Royals Battle Concurrent Legal Crises

The royal family's embarrassment is deepened by the ongoing trial of Mette-Marit’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, which began in Oslo District Court on February 3, 2026. Høiby faces 38 criminal charges, including four counts of rape and domestic violence. While he has pleaded not guilty to the most serious sexual assault charges, he has admitted to some lesser offenses, including drug possession and violation of a restraining order.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has stated he expects full disclosure from those mentioned in the files as the parliament’s Oversight and Constitutional Affairs Committee moves toward potential independent investigations into the broader political connections revealed.

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Source: DW