Crown Princess Mette-Marit has said she feels it's 'important to take responsibility' after not looking into paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's background before befriending him

A royal says it's "important" to take responsibility after befriending Jeffrey Epstein. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has given a bombshell interview surrounding her bond with the convicted paedophile.

The future Queen of Norway said she wished she had never met Epstein, not long after her links to the disgraced financier were revealed in the latest batch of Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice. The new files suggested a long-running friendship between the princess and Epstein.

In a new interview, filmed at the royal residence in Skaugum, Mette-Marit became visibly emotional as she sat alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon. She told public broadcaster NRK that she regrets her "very friendly relationship" with Epstein.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Epstein took his own life aged 66 at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre in New York in August 2019. She went on to add: "Of course, I wish I had never met him. I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don’t realise it from the start."

Mette-Marit, 52, continued: "It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully. And to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was." In an email to Epstein, she told the convicted sex offender, "you make me smile," while he stated he was on a "wife hunt".

She went on to tell Epstein that Paris was "good for adultery," and suggested that Scandinavian women were "better wife material." Mette-Marit stated that she "didn't know he was a sex offender or predator" throughout the duration of her friendship with Epstein.

They emailed one another between 2011 and 2014. She also stayed at his Florida home while he was away. In 2008, Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution, and made a plea deal which made him sign a register as a sex offender.

When it was pointed out in the 20-minute interview that Epstein's conviction was listed on his Wikipedia page, Mette-Marit said: "I can't remember this; it was 15 years ago. I still didn't know anything about all the abuse. But I had understood enough that I thought he was a bad guy who people shouldn't have contact with. And I had seen up close how he blackmailed others. So I regret that I didn't tell more people, because I should have."

But in 2011, she sent an email to Epstein, reading: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good." She was asked why she stayed at his home in 2013, and said it was down to the pair having mutual friends. "Epstein was a close friend of a good friend of mine," she stated.

But there was one "situation" which made her feel uneasy during her final day in Florida – although she refused to give an insight into it, only stating she phoned her husband, the future King of Norway.

Crown Prince Haakon said that the details of the incident made Mette-Marit feel "unsafe". While Mette-Marit remained in contact with Epstein after the incident in question, she eventually terminated their friendship. "I am overly trusting," she said, adding: "I tend to think the best of people.

"But I also chose to end all direct contact with him. And it was because of such episodes as that." Mette-Marit faced intense public scrutiny, including from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, after her link to Epstein became public. Mette-Marit also addressed whether she will continue in her royal role, given her link to Epstein and her ongoing health issues. This, however, would be determined by her health.

In a previous statement, the Princess said, "Jeffrey Epstein is personally responsible for his actions. I must take responsibility for not checking Epstein's background more closely and for not understanding quickly enough what kind of person he was. I deeply regret that, and this is a responsibility I must take.

"I showed poor judgment and regret having any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing. I want to express my deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein."

The interview was filmed on Thursday – the same day her son, Marius Borh Høiby's week-long rape trial concluded. Høiby pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape. He pleaded guilty to several driving offences, an aggravated drug offence and breaking a restraining order and "partly" to threats and aggravated assault. The Norwegian royals were not present in court throughout any of the proceedings.

While his mum is the future Queen and his stepfather will eventually become King, Høiby carries no status and does not officially represent the royal family in any capacity. At the start of the trial, the royals said: "We are thinking a lot about all the parties involved in this matter. This is something that affects them, their families, those who love them. We care about them. We know that many of you are going through a difficult time right now."

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.