Mette-Marit Apologizes as Norway Readies Foreign Ministry Probe, Police Investigate Ex-PM Jagland

Overview

• In a palace statement, Crown Princess Mette-Marit said she deeply regrets her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and apologized to the king and queen, with the palace noting she is not ready to provide detailed explanations.
• The government is preparing scrutiny of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over Epstein links, with most parties backing an independent inquiry while Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre favors oversight by Parliament’s standing committee, according to VG.
• Norway’s economic crimes police said they are investigating former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption, and his lawyer said he will cooperate and expects to clear his name.
• Renewed examination of Norwegian figures named in the newly released Epstein files includes Børge Brende, Ambassador Mona Juul, and Terje Rød-Larsen, with the documents adding details to previously known contacts.
• Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, is on trial on 38 counts, including four alleged rapes and acts of violence against former girlfriends, in a parallel legal case adding pressure on the royal household.