Crown Princess Mette-Marit Joins State Visit Amidst Scrutiny
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway unexpectedly participated in welcoming Belgium’s royal couple to Oslo on Tuesday, marking her first official engagement in nearly two months. The appearance came shortly after a revealing interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, where she addressed her past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing legal proceedings involving her son, Marius Borg Høiby.
It was a family reunion at the Palace Square today. King Harald is a cousin of Belgian King Philippe’s father.
Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / NRK
Addressing Past Connections
Princess Mette-Marit publicly acknowledged her interactions with Jeffrey Epstein during the NRK interview, stating she was unaware of his criminal activities at the time. She expressed regret for the contact and a sense of guilt for Epstein’s victims. The interview coincided with the conclusion of the trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who faces charges related to alleged rape, with a verdict expected in early June. CBS News reported on the interview, highlighting the scrutiny surrounding the Crown Princess’s judgment.
Health Challenges and Royal Duties
The Crown Princess’s participation in the state visit is particularly noteworthy given her ongoing battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease diagnosed in 2018. She experienced a deterioration in her health late last year, leading to discussions about a potential lung transplant. Despite these health challenges, she joined King Harald, Queen Sonja, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium for an audience inside the Palace.
Family Ties and the State Visit
The state visit similarly holds a personal dimension, as King Harald is a cousin to the late King Albert II, father of the current Belgian monarch. This familial connection underscores the close relationship between Norway and Belgium. The welcome ceremony at the Palace Square was attended by the Norwegian royal family and representatives from Norwegian society.
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