Epstein Files Shake European Monarchies: Norway Under Fire Amid Comparisons with Britain and Spain
Oslo / Euro Times
Norway’s royal institution is facing an escalating wave of public and political controversy after Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s name appeared in newly released batches of U.S. investigative documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have reignited nationwide debate over the reputational impact on the monarchy and the future role of the Crown Princess as a potential queen.
According to European and American media coverage, the documents contain extensive references to communication between Mette-Marit and Epstein over several years, prompting renewed scrutiny over the ethical responsibilities of public figures and the consequences of maintaining links with individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Inside Norway, the debate intensified after the newspaper Aftenposten published a prominent political commentary suggesting that the scope of the relationship raises serious questions about the Crown Princess’s judgment and the royal court’s handling of the crisis. The paper argued that the days following the leaks may prove decisive in either restoring trust or deepening the institutional fracture.
The controversy also gained political weight after Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was quoted as saying that the Crown Princess and others involved had shown “poor judgment” in their contact with Epstein, pushing the matter beyond media curiosity and into broader discussion about symbolic accountability and public standards within Norway’s monarchy.
The situation is unfolding amid a wider American context, as the U.S. Department of Justice has begun publishing millions of pages related to the Epstein case under transparency measures, while stressing that victim identities must remain protected and that released materials do not automatically constitute grounds for new criminal accusations.
Norway is not alone in facing the fallout. The Epstein disclosures have once again revived scrutiny around Prince Andrew in Britain, with reports referring to messages and photographs that continue to raise questions about how royal institutions manage reputational damage and enforce internal distancing when individuals become liabilities.
In Spain, the past decade demonstrates how cumulative scandals can reshape the public’s relationship with monarchy more fundamentally. The decline of King Juan Carlos I amid corruption allegations, along with the high-profile “Nóos” case involving Infanta Cristina, fueled long-standing debates on transparency, legitimacy, and public trust in royal institutions.
Source:
Le Monde – Epstein scandal deals new blow to Norway’s crown princess
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/02/01/epstein-scandal-deals-new-blow-to-norway-s-crown-princess_6750028_4.html
