Crown Prince Haakon Stands by Wife in Face of Dual Crises
In a rare public statement, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has robustly defended his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, against the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the ongoing rape trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby. Speaking during an official engagement in Møre og Romsdal on Monday, the 52-year-old future king also provided a candid update on Mette-Marit's serious health condition, describing it as an integral part of their daily lives.
Addressing the Epstein Controversy Directly
When questioned by reporters about Mette-Marit's association with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Crown Prince Haakon offered a terse but firm response. 'I don't read all my wife's emails,' he stated, swiftly moving to close the topic. He referenced a recent interview the couple gave to Norway's national broadcaster, NRK, last month, following the submission of her son's rape trial for judgment at Oslo District Court on March 20. 'We've already spoken about it,' Haakon asserted, adding, 'I'm not going to dwell on that subject much now, so we'll continue talking about the main topic.'
The controversy stems from emails released by the US Department of Justice, which exposed a lengthy friendship between the crown princess and Epstein. The documents reveal they exchanged dozens of emails between 2011 and 2014, with Mette-Marit's name appearing over 1,000 times. The correspondence included questionable remarks, such as her asking Epstein if it was 'inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15-year-old son's wallpaper' and commenting that Paris is 'good for adultery' while noting Scandinavians make better wife material.
It is known she met Epstein on at least three occasions in Oslo, New York, and the Caribbean during that period and stayed at his Florida home for four days in 2013. Notably, Epstein had already pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Mette-Marit has since apologised for the 'embarrassing' friendship in a statement on February 6, and during the NRK interview, she tearfully admitted she was 'manipulated and deceived.' The crown princess has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
A Candid Health Update Amid Personal Struggles
Turning to his wife's health, Crown Prince Haakon provided a heartfelt and sobering assessment. Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and progressive lung disease, in 2018. 'She is ill, and that is already something that is a part of our daily life,' he confessed, acknowledging the profound impact on their family. He admitted it is 'tough to leave' her for extended periods, though she 'manages well for a day or a day and a half.'
This update follows recent photographs showing Mette-Marit at an official event at the Royal Palace of Oslo last week, wearing a nasal cannula—a breathing tube—with an aide carrying what appeared to be an oxygen machine. The Norwegian palace announced in December that recent tests showed a 'clear worsening of the Crown Princess's health,' and she is being assessed for a potential lung transplant. Despite NRK reporting a deterioration in her condition in March, she has undertaken a handful of royal engagements this year.
Family Turmoil and Unwavering Support
The Epstein scandal, combined with her son's legal troubles, has significantly impacted Mette-Marit's popularity. Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, from a previous relationship, appeared in court earlier this year on charges of rape and other crimes. He has declared himself not guilty of rape and domestic abuse while admitting to some lesser charges. The family now awaits a verdict, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult period.
Amid speculation about her future role in the monarchy, Crown Prince Haakon reaffirmed his steadfast support. In the NRK interview, he held his wife's hand and emphasised that marriage is 'for better or for worse.' He elaborated, 'On the good days, everything feels easy. But it's during the difficult times when you have to weather the storm that a strong foundation matters most. This is our project; we're in it together. And Mette is caring, wise, and very strong. That's why I always want her on my team when challenges arise.'
Reflecting on the cumulative pressures, Haakon acknowledged that his family has 'been through a lot,' yet he remains resolute in his defence and commitment to Mette-Marit as they navigate these profound personal and public challenges together.
