Background on Key Figures
The recent release of over three million files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sent shockwaves through Norwegian institutions, implicating members of the Royal Family, the Nobel Committee, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who is Mette-Marit, the Princess Heiress?
Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby is the current Crown Princess of Norway, married to King Harald V since 2001. She is known for her activism and involvement in various social causes, making her a prominent figure in Norway.
The Epstein-Mette-Marit Connection
Princess Mette-Marit maintained a close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein for several years, even visiting his luxurious Palm Beach residence in Florida for four days in early 2013. She reportedly advised him on finding a wife and shared personal details about her family.
- Admission of Awareness: Despite the Royal Family’s 2019 statement claiming ignorance of Epstein’s past, Mette-Marit admitted in an email to Epstein that she had Googled him to learn about the case.
- Nature of Correspondence: The released emails show a close relationship, with Mette-Marit discussing family matters, recommending books, and exchanging birthday greetings and health concerns with Epstein.
- Controversial Content: In one exchange, Mette-Marit asked Epstein about the appropriateness of suggesting a wallpaper featuring “two naked women carrying a surfboard” for her son. In another, she commented that “Paris is a good place for infidelity.”
Royal Family’s Response
In a statement following the document release, Mette-Marit acknowledged her lack of judgment and failure to thoroughly investigate Epstein’s background. She also admitted not quickly understanding the nature of their relationship, as Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring an underage girl for prostitution.
The Royal Family clarified that the last written communication between Mette-Marit and Epstein occurred in 2014. The scandal emerges just days before the trial of her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, who faces 38 charges including four rapes and domestic violence against his ex-partner, Nora Hakland.
Other Norwegian Figures Implicated
Thorbjørn Jagland, former Prime Minister and current member of the Labour Party, also appears in Epstein’s files. He served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe and President of the Norwegian Nobel Committee at the time.
- Travel Plans: Emails reveal Jagland’s travel plans to Tirana, Albania; Jordan, Palestine, and Israel; and his intention to visit Epstein’s island with his family.
- Financial Discussions: The documents show conversations about housing loans and other private messages between Jagland and Epstein.
- Defense of Contacts: Jagland previously defended his interactions with Epstein as part of “normal diplomatic activities.”
Borge Brende, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current President of the World Economic Forum, also appears in Epstein’s files. They exchanged friendly messages until shortly before Epstein’s 2019 arrest.
- Dinner Meeting: Brende dined with Epstein in his New York apartment in September 2018, though he later stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal history.
Other figures mentioned include ex-Minister Terje Rod-Larsen, who admitted to a financial relationship with Epstein, and his wife Mona Juul, former Norwegian ambassador to the United Nations. Asle Toje, Vice President of the Nobel Committee, is also mentioned.
Calls for Transparency
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has urged those involved in the Epstein documents to “reveal the truth about what happened.” He stated that those mentioned should provide satisfactory explanations.
