Why the Epstein files are putting Norwegian and British royals under renewed pressure

The US Justice Department released thousands more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. ( Pictorial Illustration)

• Emails reveal royals stayed in touch with Epstein post-2008 conviction
• Princess Mette-Marit and Sarah Ferguson exchanged friendly messages with Epstein.
• No crime alleged, but reputations of Norwegian and British royals damaged.

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Newly released emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein have reignited scrutiny of connections between the disgraced financier and members of the Norwegian and British royal families. While the documents do not allege criminal wrongdoing by the royals, they provide more detail about relationships that continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, the New York Times reported.

The files, published as part of a broader release of US Justice Department documents, include partially redacted emails that appear to show friendly and at times warm exchanges between Epstein and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, as well as Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York.

What the emails show

The messages suggest that Crown Princess Mette-Marit remained in contact with Epstein between 2011 and 2013, several years after his conviction had been widely reported. Some emails include personal conversations about travel, social plans and health. Others contain joking exchanges about Epstein’s pursuit of women.

In one 2011 message, the crown princess appears to acknowledge concerns about his reputation, writing that she had searched for information about him online and that it “didn’t look too good.” The full context of that remark remains unclear.

Sarah Ferguson’s emails, sent from an account labelled “Sarah,” include language describing Epstein as a “legend” and as a supportive figure during financial difficulties. It has previously been reported that Epstein helped Ferguson pay off debts, and she has publicly apologised in the past for what she called a serious error of judgment in associating with him.

How the royals have responded

Crown Princess Mette-Marit said in a statement that she regretted her contact with Epstein and took responsibility for not investigating his background more thoroughly. She expressed sympathy for his victims. Norway’s prime minister also acknowledged that her judgment had been poor.

Representatives for the British royal family did not immediately comment on the latest release. Prince Andrew, Ferguson’s former husband, has already faced significant consequences over his association with Epstein, including the loss of royal titles and public roles.

Why this matters now

The emails do not accuse the royal figures of criminal conduct. But they suggest that their ties to Epstein may have been closer and more sustained than previously described.

In Norway, the timing adds further strain, as the crown princess’s son faces separate legal proceedings unrelated to Epstein. In Britain, the disclosures reopen wounds from past scandals involving the royal family.

The episode underscores how the ripple effects of Epstein’s network continue to reach powerful institutions years after his death. Even absent evidence of wrongdoing, the optics of maintaining contact with a convicted sex offender remain politically and reputationally damaging.