The Crown Prince Couple’s response; Orchestrated appeal for compassion
On Friday, one week after the catastrophic Epstein files were published, a new public apology came from Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as a statement from Crown Prince Haakon.
February 7, 2026 | SOCIETY
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon 2023. Photo: Dusan Reljin, The Royal Court
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s apology Friday, 6 February 2025:
“I wish to offer a deep apology for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important to me to apologize to all of you I have disappointed. Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I wish to be. I also apologize for the situation that I have placed the Royal House in, especially the King and the Queen. I wish to offer a deep apology for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important to me to apologize to all of you I have disappointed. Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I wish to be. I also apologize for the situation that I have placed the Royal House in, especially the King and the Queen.”
This is a partly reserved apology. She directs the apology to “those she has disappointed” and writes that “some” of the dialogue with Epstein does not represent the person she wishes to be.
The apology has been published on the Royal House’s website and is accompanied by a statement from the Royal Court, that is to say King Harald. The Royal Court writes that they understand the reaction from the public and further writes that the Crown Princess distances herself from Epstein’s actions. Mette-Marit wishes to explain herself more fully, but she is unable to do so now because she is in a demanding situation and needs time to collect herself. They hope for understanding.
Haakon spoke briefly in connection with a public assignment on Friday. He says that he understands that people have questions, but will not answer questions now. He says that the family is dealing with a lot and that they must prioritize. In that connection he mentions the court case against Mette-Marit’s son Marius Borg Hoiby and that he must take care of Mette-Marit and the children. He says that she will explain herself, but that she is not able to do so now, and that she does not have permission from him. He concludes by asking for understanding before leaving without answering questions.
This was an orchestrated performance similar to the one we saw before Christmas. At the same time as a batch of Epstein files was released on December 19 last year, the Royal Court announced that Mette-Marit will at “some point” need a lung transplant. This was also a topic in The Year with the Royal Family, which was broadcast on NRK TV on Christmas Day. There, Mette-Marit also stated that the Crown Prince Couple has received unjust criticism for Marius’ upbringing, and she further appeals to other mothers for compassion. From an editorial point of view, it is criticizable that NRK does not ask follow-up questions, or even worse, allows them to set the conditions for the interview.
Most Norwegians feel great sympathy for King Harald and Queen Sonja in this situation. It is important to take into consideration that the royal couple were born in the industrial age; we are now in the information age – the media landscape is here to stay. The members of the Royal Family, like the rest of the population, must be aware that we leave digital traces behind and that the private sphere has been reduced for everyone in the globalized world. Therefore, it seems reasonable to distinguish between the royal couple and the Crown Prince Couple in this situation. Furthermore, it is imminent that the Crown Prince Couple will be consecrated as the royal couple.
To feel sympathy for Mette-Marit and Haakon, or for one of them as many do, is entirely reasonable from an emotional standpoint. Despite the fact that the Crown Prince family themselves have placed themselves in the situation they are in, we understand that this is a family in deep crisis. Nevertheless, there will be some who feel confused and others who will feel manipulated; from an intellectual standpoint this is also reasonable.
Haakon’s body language did not entirely correspond with what he stated today; this is something you may have picked up on without being able to put your finger on it. If you watch his statement again, you can notice raised eyebrows that may indicate that he has a message to convey. You can notice a smile that may conceal aggression after questions from the press, and you can see head-nodding that may indicate aggression behind the statements. When people are sad, they will normally have a lower and calmer tone of voice, and their eyes will be more closed. In the media coverage afterward it is described as Haakon being affected, and he was – but perhaps not in the way it is natural to assume. It is in fact entirely plausible to interpret that there was aggression toward the press corps he was standing in front of.
Haakon made it clear today that he stands by his wife – and that she stands by him. A divorce between the two does not appear to be an option. Furthermore, we received indirect confirmation that the Crown Prince shares the family’s view of the press, and many will likely interpret this as them taking on a victim role. A very difficult starting point for the future; no one benefits from a monarchy where its representatives feel that they are sacrificing themselves. They should strongly consider whether they wish to continue.
SOURCES
NRK News
Dagsrevyen 6. februarThe Royal Court
Uttalelse 6. februarVG
Kronprinsessen The Crown Princess will need lung transplant - december 19, 2025CNBC
Epstein files released by US Department of Justice - december 19, 2025Department of Justice
Official DOJ disclosures related to the Epstein files