King Harald Defends Crown Princess in Epstein Scandal
Norway's King Harald publicly defended Crown Princess Mette-Marit over her past connection to Jeffrey Epstein, saying she broke off ties early — and that she deserves credit for it.
May 28, 2026 | SOURCES
His Majesty The King. Photo: Jørgen Gomnæs / The Royal Court
Norway's King Harald (89) met the press on Thursday as he wrapped up his spring tour of Vestland county, without Queen Sonja by his side. The 88-year-old queen had been hospitalized at Rikshospitalet with atrial fibrillation and heart failure, though the king confirmed her condition had improved and that she was heading home.
The mood at the press gathering quickly shifted when reporters asked about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The King Was Clear: He Knows No More Than the Public
King Harald did not attempt to downplay the scrutiny. He stated openly that he learned of the Crown Princess's Epstein connection at the same time as the Norwegian public, and that he has no additional information beyond what is already known. He also noted that Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have themselves addressed and accounted for the matter.
"She Broke It Off Very Early — Give Her Credit for That"
Despite acknowledging the limits of his own knowledge, the king spoke warmly in defense of his daughter-in-law.
"We must remember that the Crown Princess has not done anything illegal. She broke off that connection — unlike some others in Norway, she broke it off very early. And I think we should give her credit for that," King Harald said.
"Unlike Some Others in Norway" — A Pointed Remark
The king's reference to "others in Norway" who maintained their Epstein ties was left without names, but the remark is widely understood to point toward several prominent figures with documented connections to Epstein who did not distance themselves as early as Mette-Marit did.
Among those believed to be in the frame are diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen and his diplomat wife Mona Juul, as well as former Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland. All three are currently under investigation for corruption in connection with their Epstein ties. Also linked to the scandal is Børge Brende, who stepped down as president of the World Economic Forum following scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.
A Royal Family Navigating an Ongoing Scandal
Queen Sonja's absence added a personal dimension to what was already a charged occasion. The Epstein scandal continues to reach into Norway's political and diplomatic establishment, and Thursday's press appearance showed that the royal family is navigating the fallout in their own way — with the king choosing to speak up, defend his daughter-in-law, and let the comparison to others speak for itself.