Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has spoken after seven weeks of silence. She talked about her past meetings with financier Jeffrey Epstein. In an interview with NRK, she said she felt very sorry. She also felt tricked by Epstein. She wished she had never met him.
The Princess knew Epstein from 2011 to 2014. This became known in Norway after US documents about Epstein were released. The documents showed they sent many emails. She also stayed at his home in Florida. Epstein was found guilty of crimes involving young people in 2008.
The Crown Princess said she made a mistake. She did not check Epstein's activities carefully. She did a quick internet search in 2011. She saw some bad information then. However, she did not look deeper. Epstein's bad actions were already known by then.
Many people wanted the royal family to explain this. The Prime Minister also faced questions. The Princess decided to speak now. This was to answer public worry. It also helps her control the story.
She said she was accountable. She also wants to be separate from Epstein's crimes. She said the victims deserve justice. This is an important message for the public.
The interview let the Princess share her feelings. She felt she was also tricked. She admitted she made bad choices. We will see how this affects the royal family. The focus is now on the past. It is also on helping Epstein's victims.