Norway’s crown princess apologizes for Epstein contacts, says she didn’t understand who he was; husband supports her

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is one of the first celebrities to issue a statement in the newly released Epstein dossier. She issued another statement on Friday, this time apologizing for her friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It’s just one of the scandals that has plagued Norway’s royal family in recent weeks. “We understand the strong reaction to what has happened in recent days. The Crown Princess has strongly distanced herself from Epstein’s abuse and criminal behavior. She deeply regrets not understanding earlier what kind of person he was. The Crown Princess wishes to talk about what happened and explain herself more fully. She is unable to do so now. The Crown Princess is in a very difficult situation. She wishes to be understood as she needs time to calm down,” a statement from the palace said. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, said his family was going through a difficult time, stemming from the rape trial of the Crown Princess’ son Marius. Marius was not Haakon’s stepson. “For me, the most important thing over the past few days has been taking care of the sheep,” Haakon told reporters during an official royal visit, referring to his family. “We are supporting Marius in his situation. We are looking after the other children as well… they need looking after too and I have to make sure that the Crown Princess is looked after.”The crown prince said the princess suffers from chronic lung disease, which is why she is now unable to speak. But she was willing to explain herself. Mette-Marit told Epstein in an email that she Googled information about him and “it didn’t look good.” In 2012, Epstein wrote to the Crown Princess stating that he was looking for a wife. “What’s the weather like? I’m looking for a wife. Paris is proving to be fun, but I prefer the Scandinavians,” Epstein wrote. “freezing [sic] It snowed yesterday,” Mette-Marit replied. “Paris is great for adultery. [sic] Scandis better wife material.” she added, “but then again [sic] In other emails, the crown princess described Epstein as charming and lovable. In one email, she asked Epstein whether it was appropriate as a mother to suggest two naked women holding surfboards as wallpaper for her 15-year-old son.