DOJ Files Expose European Royals, Norway’s Crown Princess Apologizes Amid Legal Fallout
Updated (2 articles)
DOJ Unveils Massive Epstein Archive The Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of Epstein‑related material under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law signed by former President Donald Trump in November 2025 [1]. The cache includes roughly 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, providing unprecedented documentary evidence of Epstein’s network [1]. The release was announced on February 2, 2026, prompting a wave of media analysis across the Atlantic [1][2].
Princess Mette‑Marit’s Extensive Epstein Contacts Documents show Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit appears nearly 1,000 times in the files, with emails from 2011‑2014 discussing “inappropriate” wallpaper featuring naked women on surfboards and a four‑day stay at Epstein’s Palm Beach estate in January 2013 [1][2]. In a public statement on February 1, she admitted “poor judgement” and expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims, while also revealing her worsening pulmonary fibrosis and potential placement on a lung‑transplant list [2]. Her son’s rape trial, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, adds further pressure to the royal family [2].
Norwegian Government Defends Royal Apology Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly supported the princess’s apology, describing her conduct as “poor judgement” but stopping short of broader condemnation [2]. He also criticized former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland for planning a holiday on Epstein’s island, echoing the scrutiny applied to the princess [2]. The government’s measured response is notable for its rarity in Norwegian politics, where leaders typically avoid direct commentary on royal matters [2].
Other Royals and Politicians Named in Files Newsweek identified Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, British peer Peter Mandelson, Slovak adviser Miroslav Lajčák, and Sweden’s Princess Sofia among the thousands of references, citing emails about tax favours, “chief life adviser” remarks, and personal exchanges [1]. Mandelson’s name appears over 5,000 times, including an alleged $75,000 payment he denies, while Lajčák’s 2018 text exchange led to his resignation announced by Prime Minister Robert Fico [1]. The Swedish Royal Court confirmed limited historical contact with Sofia but no interaction for two decades [1].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: New DOJ Release Links European Royals and Politicians to Epstein Files: outlines the 3 million‑page disclosure, highlights extensive references to European royals and senior politicians, and details specific email content and alleged payments .
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2.
BBC: Norway’s Prime Minister Backs Crown Princess’s Epstein Apology: concentrates on Norway’s political reaction, the princess’s apology and health concerns, and the upcoming sexual‑offence trial of her stepson .
Timeline
2008 – Jeffrey Epstein is convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor, establishing a criminal record that later frames the context of continued contacts with royals and politicians, as referenced in newly released DOJ files showing communications after his conviction[2].
2010 – An email from Jeffrey Epstein to Swedish Princess Sofia calls her “Our Sofia,” indicating early contact that the Swedish Royal Court later says was limited and has not occurred for the past two decades[2].
2011‑2014 – Princess Mette‑Marit of Norway appears in nearly 1,000 DOJ‑released emails, calling Epstein “soft‑hearted,” requesting “inappropriate” wallpaper ideas featuring naked women on surfboards, and discussing a “wife hunt” in Paris, illustrating her frequent and casual engagement with Epstein during this period[1][2].
Jan 2013 – Princess Mette‑Marit stays four days at Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion, a detail revealed in DOJ documents that underscores the depth of her personal connection to Epstein’s social circle[1].
2018 – Slovak national security adviser Miroslav Lajčák exchanges text messages about women with Epstein; the scandal forces his resignation, which Prime Minister Robert Fico announces, saying Slovakia loses “an incredible source of experience in diplomacy”[2].
Nov 2020 – President Donald Trump signs the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandating the public release of over three million pages of Epstein‑related material, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, setting the stage for the 2026 disclosures[2].
Feb 1, 2026 – Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly backs Crown Princess Mette‑Marit’s apology, saying he agrees she “showed poor judgement” in maintaining contacts with Epstein, while also criticizing former PM Thorbjørn Jagland for his aborted island‑holiday plan[1].
Feb 1, 2026 – Crown Princess Mette‑Marit issues a statement: “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing,” and adds “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein,” aiming to mitigate public backlash ahead of her stepson’s trial[1].
Feb 1, 2026 – Reports note Princess Mette‑Marit’s pulmonary fibrosis is worsening, and doctors prepare to place her on a lung‑transplant waiting list, adding personal health pressure to the family’s legal and reputational challenges[1].
Feb 2, 2026 – The Department of Justice releases more than three million pages of Epstein material under the Transparency Act, exposing Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, British peer Peter Mandelson (who calls Epstein his “chief life adviser”), and extensive communications with European royals, dramatically expanding the scope of the scandal[2].
Feb 2, 2026 – DOJ files reveal Peter Mandelson’s name appears over 5,000 times, including an email that labels Epstein his “chief life adviser” and discussions of alleged $75,000 payments, highlighting the depth of political entanglement[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Marius Borg Høiby, the Crown Prince’s 29‑year‑old stepson, begins his trial at Oslo District Court on 38 sexual‑offence charges, facing a potential ten‑year prison sentence; Crown Prince Haakon expresses sympathy for victims while no royal family members attend the proceedings[1].
2026‑2027 (future) – Ongoing monitoring of Princess Mette‑Marit’s health may lead to her placement on a lung‑transplant list, a development that could affect her public duties and the royal family’s image in the coming months[1].