Crown Princess Mette-Marit's connection with Jeffrey Epstein

[Lori138]

It isn't even so much what she knew or did not know about Epstein but the content of her emails to him are simply horrible. Commit adultery in Paris, asking about naked women wallpaper for your 15 year old, talking about some man who made her feel good, staying at his home(s). What do the NRF not understand about the look of HER emails to this person. His criminal record is not even the most damaging thing here IMO.

 

[Somebody]

Amazed they actually wrote this:

'If she had known during this time what is now known about Epstein, she would never have had contact with him. The Crown Princess wishes to emphasize again that she was unaware of the extent and nature of the criminal offenses Epstein had been convicted of and served time for. The mentioned Google search does not change this.'

What do they even mean by 'The mentioned Google search does not change this'? It changes everything. His convictions were in the public arena and surely the google search brought that up.

The 'if she had known card' doesn't work, I am afraid.

I can believe she didn't know the full extent of his criminal offenses - however, she admitted that what she found wasn't good - and should have been enough to decide to at least further investigate and break-off contact instead of minimizing it by using a smiling emoticon and continuing as if all was fine and no big deal.

Furthermore, the 'she needs time to collect herself' phrase keeps being repeated. She must be quite a mess right now for the royal house to keep stressing that point (as a way out of providing any real explanation).

 

[Blog Real]

Considering the damage that Mette-Marit has already caused to the Norwegian monarchy, I think the royal household team needs to think carefully about any future statements they make on this matter.
And while we're at it, I hope they don't try to put Mette-Marit on the official agenda of the royal household in the near future, because clearly she won't be well received by the public and will only further damage the image of the royal family.
Think carefully about the things you still want to ensure that Haakon and Ingrid Alexandra can inherit a throne and that the monarchy has a future.

 

[theroyalfly]

What I find atrocious is that she never mentioned his victims in her statement.

The same thing Haakon did or did I miss something. But his words place family loyalty first. They sidestep direct victim empathy by vague "we care" lines amid Marius's 38 charges of rape and violence and MM's involvement with Epstein. This delays accountability while public outrage grows over royal favoritism. Prior statements echo this pattern, seeking family help but ignoring victims' pain.

Sorry but Haakon does not have what it takes to be a great King and Ingrid's tantrums online was so cringe.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Crown Prince Haakon should refrain from commenting on both cases and leave the grovelling to his wife and stepson.
They are the ones who have caused the scandals and unless Haakon wants to be tarnished he should zip it for now.

 

[sm1939]

I have a sense that if public pressure were to push Mette-Marit to step down, Haakon would respond much as he did when he insisted on marrying her — by saying he would step down as well. Ingrid, too, may not be ready and might decide to step back. I really cant see Mette Marit wanting to step down , every one moans about being Royal , but they miss it when its gone.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Furthermore, the 'she needs time to collect herself' phrase keeps being repeated. She must be quite a mess right now for the royal house to keep stressing that point (as a way out of providing any real explanation).

That, I can believe. In 2011, when all outwardly appeared to be well, the Crown Princess was already struggling such that her then friend Jeffrey Epstein perceived her as "a mess". Now she is dealing with, as the court's letter put it, "several major challenges at the same time" atop of whatever came before.

Absent general social turmoil (wars, coups, plagues, etc.), I truly have a difficult time thinking of other royals who faced so many and such serious personal challenges simultaneously: Suffering a terminal illness whose life expectancy in years is already in the low single digits and then learning one is reaching its endgame, while having one's beloved child accused of depraved crimes on an astounding scale in an internationally-publicized trial of the decade, while being caught up in a global political scandal that has inflated in importance as a symbol of all that is wrong with high society.

Perhaps the surviving members of the Nepali royal family had more issues to cope with after the 2001 family massacre, but otherwise, no comparable royal examples in recent history are coming to mind (again, in the absence of more general social turmoil such as war).

 

[kalnel]

That, I can believe. In 2011, when all outwardly appeared to be well, the Crown Princess was already struggling such that her then friend Jeffrey Epstein perceived her as "a mess". Now she is dealing with, as the court's letter put it, "several major challenges at the same time" atop of whatever came before.

Absent general social turmoil (wars, coups, plagues, etc.), I truly have a difficult time thinking of other royals who faced so many and such serious personal challenges simultaneously: Suffering a terminal illness whose life expectancy in years is already in the low single digits and then learning one is reaching its endgame, while having one's beloved child accused of depraved crimes on an astounding scale in an internationally-publicized trial of the decade, while being caught up in a global political scandal that has inflated in importance as a symbol of all that is wrong with high society.

Perhaps the surviving members of the Nepali royal family had more issues to cope with after the 2001 family massacre, but otherwise, no comparable royal examples in recent history are coming to mind (again, in the absence of more general social turmoil such as war).

How quickly we forget: Elizabeth II also faced terminal illness with short life expectancy and her "beloved child" accused of depraved crimes (for which she had to pay, literally), plus she was widowed after a 70+-year marriage, dealing with the Sussex nonsense, managing a revolving door of PMs (3 in her final year), and governing through COVID.

Unlike Mette-Marit, she didn't have the luxury of "stepping back" or whatever the Norwegian royal house is calling it this week. Despite being almost half a century older, she did her duty without "collecting herself."

Her son Charles picked up many of the same crises, plus he has cancer and an heir whose wife is facing her own cancer.

Closer to home, Harald is dealing with all Mette-Marit's problems, plus his own illnesses and governing.

Many royals -- like many people -- deal with "several major challenges" without fanfare.

 

[polyesco]

Another patronage has distanced themselves from Mette-Marit

"The Norwegian Library Association is putting Crown Princess Mette-Marit's patronage on hold. This is stated on the association's website.
"Earlier this week, we asked the Norwegian Royal Family for more information about the Crown Princess's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Library Association needs more knowledge and clarity in the matter. We have been informed that it will take time before a comprehensive report is available."
"The information that has emerged so far provides a basis for critical questions. Based on the current situation, the Norwegian Library Association has decided to put the patronage on hold."

Settes på pause

Nok et beskytterskap setter samarbeidet med kronprinsessen på is.

www.dagbladet.no

 

[Blog Real]

Another patronage has distanced themselves from Mette-Marit

"The Norwegian Library Association is putting Crown Princess Mette-Marit's patronage on hold. This is stated on the association's website.
"Earlier this week, we asked the Norwegian Royal Family for more information about the Crown Princess's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Library Association needs more knowledge and clarity in the matter. We have been informed that it will take time before a comprehensive report is available."
"The information that has emerged so far provides a basis for critical questions. Based on the current situation, the Norwegian Library Association has decided to put the patronage on hold."

Settes på pause

Nok et beskytterskap setter samarbeidet med kronprinsessen på is.

www.dagbladet.no

The fall of Mette-Marit is unprecedented in European monarchies. She will hardly be able to recover her image....

 

[Opals]

Does anyone know how many patronage's MM has?

 

[carlota]

The fall of Mette-Marit is unprecedented in European monarchies. She will hardly be able to recover her image....

I wouldn’t say unprecedented – just look at Andrew, Juan Carlos and Inaki… but she is potentially the one with the most delicate situation. Andrew being one of 4 siblings and 8th in the succession, Juan Carlos being a retired monarch and Inaki being simply the husband of the sibling to the king but with very little royal workload/service, if any. For MM, on the other hand, she is the future queen and the ‘future’ of the monarchy, so a rather different story.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

It's rather strange that a press release from a Norwegian organization written for a Norwegian audience refers to "the Norwegian Royal House" and not simply "the Royal House". It is not as if there is some foreign royal house that they might have asked about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Does anyone know how many patronage's MM has?

You can find the list of her patronages, with links to the organizations, here:

Kronprinsesse Mette-Marits beskyttarskap

Oversikt over Hennes Kongelige Høyhet Kronprinsesse Mette-Marits faste beskytterskap.…

www.kongehuset.no

Organisations under the patronage of Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Royal patronage is generally granted for a period of five years. These are the organisations under the patronage of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.…

www.royalcourt.no

The fall of Mette-Marit is unprecedented in European monarchies.

Well, her sister-in-law Märtha Louise also had some of her patronages dropping her.

 

[Opals]

So 7 of MM's patronage's have either dropped her or at least demanded explanations, that's 1/3

 

[kath2833]

I really don’t see this monarchy lasting post-harald. It’s not just MM’s fault but she sure takes a lot of the blame & I’m counting a good portion on her of how Marius has turned out.

 

[theroyalfly]

I wouldn’t say unprecedented – just look at Andrew, Juan Carlos and Inaki… but she is potentially the one with the most delicate situation.

I would say it is. Most especially for a second-in-line's wife and since this is Norway we are talking about. Very solid monarchy.

Funny how the Royal Court letter to Mette-Marit's patronages sounds like straight-up pleading and passing the buck. Zero accountability. Zero victim sympathy. Hope she doesn't skate free.

This is an excerpt from the letter:

"The patronages mean a lot to the Crown Princess. She is proud to be able to support the important work you do. The Crown Princess understands that many of you - including her - have reacted strongly to what has come to light......

The Crown Princess is in a very demanding situation, with several major challenges at the same time. She hopes for understanding that she needs time to gather herself.

If she had known what is now known about Epstein during this period, she would never have had contact with him. The Crown Princess wishes to emphasize again that she was not aware of the extent and nature of the criminal acts for which Epstein had been convicted and had served time. The aforementioned Google search does not change this."

 

[Mbruno]

I really don’t see this monarchy lasting post-harald. It’s not just MM’s fault but she sure takes a lot of the blame & I’m counting a good portion on her of how Marius has turned out.

That is a bold prediction considering that, barely a year ago, that was one of the safest monarchies in Europe based on their poll numbers. Of course their poll numbers have fallen quite a lot since then, but I don't think we are in republic territory yet unless the political class turns on the monarchy.

 

[Blog Real]

I would say it is. Most especially for a second-in-line's wife and since this is Norway we are talking about. Very solid monarchy.

And King Juan Carlos was not convicted and managed to resolve the situation in part, despite being in forced exile.

Andrew is indeed in a complicated situation, but he is not heir to the throne. But we can say that Andrew and Mette-Marit are in an unprecedented situation among European monarchies.

 

[maria-olivia]

The one lost all his titles , the other will be promoted Queen

 

[Snowangel]

Our monarchy will survive this!

 

[tihkon2]

Our monarchy will survive this!

Yes, I agree. But hopefully with Mette-Marit retired, and the family as a whole, having learned some valuable lessons about not being selfish, entitled, out of touch, and above the law. Whatever they've been doing in private since King Olav died, needs to be studied so they don't do it all again someday.

 

[tommy100]

I suspect MM would be quite happy not doing the duties of Queen anyway so it is in that sense a win-win if she doesn't take up the duties of Queen.

Personally I think the Norwegian Monarchy will be fine, this is a huge crisis of course, but Harald is popular and IA so its a blip rather than a long term downward crash. That said, a lot depends on IA and having the same parents (step parent) as Marius certainly now seems a hinderance rather than a help.

 

[fandesacs2003]

Yes, I agree. But hopefully with Mette-Marit retired, and the family as a whole, having learned some valuable lessons about not being selfish, entitled, out of touch, and above the law. Whatever they've been doing in private since King Olav died, needs to be studied so they don't do it all again someday.

How would MM retiry? By divorcing? Or by Haakon abdicating in favor of his daughter ?
As i don't technically see MM NOT becoming Queen if she stays married and Haakon becoming King. There is no way.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

How would MM retiry? By divorcing? Or by Haakon abdicating in favor of his daughter ?
As i don't technically see MM NOT becoming Queen if she stays married and Haakon becoming King. There is no way.

If she decided to retire, she could simply stop appearing in public. The Constitution actually does not prescribe any role, duties or responsibilities for a monarch's spouse. Of course, under normal circumstances, a First Lady is expected to undertake a representative role for the state, but nothing forces her to do so.

Personally, between her health condition and the "major challenges" she has admitted she is struggling to cope with, I don't think it would take much to convince the Crown Princess to retire.

 

[tihkon2]

How would MM retiry? By divorcing? Or by Haakon abdicating in favor of his daughter ?
As i don't technically see MM NOT becoming Queen if she stays married and Haakon becoming King. There is no way.

I mean, just have her not appear at official functions anymore. They have the perfect excuse. Her health.

 

[fandesacs2003]

Thank you both @tihkon2 and @Tatiana Maria for youn answers. I wonder if in this scenario she will be crowned.

 

[hereditarytitles]

Since the Norwegian monarchy is still accepted by the population despite all the scandals, I don't believe it will be abolished because of the current problems. For Mette-Marit, the solution will likely be that she completely relinquishes her role as crown princess and future queen due to her health issues. And, despite everything, one mustn't forget that these are serious and significant health problems!

Haakon will probably have to manage the task alone until his daughter is ready to take over. I wish and hope for him, despite all the criticism he faces, that he will manage it.

His parents are approaching 90 and are frail, which is not surprising at their age. Eventually, he will be on his own, as he unfortunately cannot expect any support from his sister and her "Shaman"-husband.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

This is not directly related to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. However, after seeing their emails suggesting that she was in some way miserable with her life at some point during their friendship, it becomes interesting to look back at the 2011 NRK documentary: Crown Princess Mette-Marit's comments on having a difficult process adjusting; Crown Prince Haakon's comments about how he asked too much of her and pushed her too far.

Media: Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit, pt 1.

This is a documentary by NRK, who have followed Crown Princess Mette-Marit for the past year. They’ve created a nifty opening with graphics, which I absolutely would love to see again. They w…

norwegianne.net

"“I feel like I have always been the same person, but we’ve had a fairly difficult process getting into this. I was very caught up in what people wanted me to be… But now I feel like I have found my standing. I am very happy about my role as Crown Princess.” – Mette-Marit

[...]

“Filled with humor, but can get pretty angry. And I would say that’s quite good.” Queen Sonja.

“She’s quite determined.” one of MM’s brothers.

“She’s quite a private person, who appreciates having space to herself.” Crown Prince Haakon.

[...]

Haakon said that ultimately it is the people who decides what form of government there is in Norway.

Mette-Marit feels that the time around when she told of her past is one of the times that she was as strong as she could have been.

[...]

“I have thought several times that it might be pushing it too far to ask so much from one person, and that I might have asked too much of her.” – Haakon.

“It is a mix of being incredible grateful for what you get, but at the same time things being demanding by people being there every time. People know who you are at the store…” Mette-Marit.

Haakon expounds that she needs her space, and some times that can be difficult, and it is something he aims she has also for the future.

[...]

Mette-Marit’s mother tells of the incredible knit-together family, and her brother, Per, says that they were that before the royal marriage, and it hasn’t become less after that. They’re using family councils when things are stormy. Marit Tjessem was holding the family together from an early age and being the matriarch.

[...]

Mette-Marit is extremely fond of her family and friends, and friends talk about her being there for them when they need her. She gathers them for a religious service for her birthday, and has done so since she became a Crown Princess.

Her sister says that they share a sense that injustice is wrong, and that they don’t accept it towards themselves or others."​

 

[Countess of Holland]

This is not directly related to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. However, after seeing their emails suggesting that she was in some way miserable with her life at some point during their friendship, it becomes interesting to look back at the 2011 NRK documentary: Crown Princess Mette-Marit's comments on having a difficult process adjusting; Crown Prince Haakon's comments about how he asked too much of her and pushed her too far.

Media: Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit, pt 1.

This is a documentary by NRK, who have followed Crown Princess Mette-Marit for the past year. They’ve created a nifty opening with graphics, which I absolutely would love to see again. They w…

norwegianne.net

"“I feel like I have always been the same person, but we’ve had a fairly difficult process getting into this. I was very caught up in what people wanted me to be… But now I feel like I have found my standing. I am very happy about my role as Crown Princess.” – Mette-Marit​

​

[...]​

​

“Filled with humor, but can get pretty angry. And I would say that’s quite good.” Queen Sonja.​

​

“She’s quite determined.” one of MM’s brothers.​

​

“She’s quite a private person, who appreciates having space to herself.” Crown Prince Haakon.​

​

[...]​

​

Haakon said that ultimately it is the people who decides what form of government there is in Norway.​

​

Mette-Marit feels that the time around when she told of her past is one of the times that she was as strong as she could have been.​

​

[...]​

​

“I have thought several times that it might be pushing it too far to ask so much from one person, and that I might have asked too much of her.” – Haakon.​

​

“It is a mix of being incredible grateful for what you get, but at the same time things being demanding by people being there every time. People know who you are at the store…” Mette-Marit.​

​

Haakon expounds that she needs her space, and some times that can be difficult, and it is something he aims she has also for the future.​

​

[...]​

​

Mette-Marit’s mother tells of the incredible knit-together family, and her brother, Per, says that they were that before the royal marriage, and it hasn’t become less after that. They’re using family councils when things are stormy. Marit Tjessem was holding the family together from an early age and being the matriarch.​

​

[...]​

​

Mette-Marit is extremely fond of her family and friends, and friends talk about her being there for them when they need her. She gathers them for a religious service for her birthday, and has done so since she became a Crown Princess.​

​

Her sister says that they share a sense that injustice is wrong, and that they don’t accept it towards themselves or others."​

Injustice is wrong…but socializing with a peadophile is apparently no biggy for MM. Sorry, but not buying this.
She is in it for herself and her son. She knew Haakon was her only way out of poverty and she played him.

 

[fandesacs2003]

Injustice is wrong…but socializing with a peadophile is apparently no biggy for MM. Sorry, but not buying this.
She is in it for herself and her son. She knew Haakon was her only way out of poverty and she played him.

Fully ageee. She wants only the advantages without any obligation. The pathetic point is Haakon's mentality. Ready to forgive anything to her. I don't know if i should call it love or stupidity...
Actually the royal families have pleinty of Commoners Queens to be /being already...
Is people believing that adaptation process for Queen Maxima, Mary, Letizia, as well as for PoW (and sorry if i forget someone..) was a piece of cake? No, they worked extremely hard as none of them was raised in royal circles. And Mary and Maxima, coming from the other part of the Globe had also to fight with a new language..
They faught to adapt and they managed brilliantly ! As they wanted to. So MM is not the only one to this situation. I'm sorry I don't buy this. And at the end of the day, if you don't want to... you simply don't accept to...so simple.