Oslo, Norway — Public support for Norway’s monarchy continues to decline amid revelations from recently released Jeffrey Epstein files linking Crown Princess Mette-Marit to the late financier. Documents show she exchanged friendly messages with Epstein from 2011 to 2013, after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The palace has acknowledged the contacts, with the princess expressing regret and stating she was unaware of his full criminal activities.
Scrutiny extends to other foreign leaders named in the U.S. Justice Department files, which detail Epstein’s global network. In Norway, former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland faces a corruption probe over gifts, travel, and diplomatic ties to Epstein, including efforts to arrange meetings with Russian officials. French ex-Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned from a key cultural post after probes into his Epstein interactions and potential financial misconduct.
Israeli media highlighted former Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s multiple visits to Epstein’s properties post-conviction, prompting political rivals to question his associations, though Barak denies wrongdoing. Russian officials, including attempts to connect with President Vladimir Putin via intermediaries, appear in Epstein’s outreach for influence, while Poland’s Donald Tusk ordered inquiries into related intelligence links. No charges have resulted from these disclosures, but they have fueled investigations across Europe.
