Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been dealt another blow as the fallout from her appearance in the so-called "Epstein files" continues.
The Norwegian royal, 52, has apologised for her association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it "simply embarrassing" in an initial statement. Last week, she formally apologised to King Harald V and Queen Sonja and expressed her "deepest regret" after her name was mentioned multiple times in the new documents released by the US Department of Justice.
Now, the Norwegian Council for Mental Health, of which Mette-Marit is also patron, has announced they are putting their collaboration with the princess "on hold" until further notice. Secretary General Tove Gundersen told NRK that they have not planned any "activities or collaborations" with Mette-Marit this year, citing the Palace's statement that she is in a "demanding situation" and needs time to "gather herself".
"We think it is reasonable that she should receive this in this critical and serious situation," said Gundersen. It has not yet been clarified whether the patronage will resume next year. Shortly after the new release of files, Mette-Marit was swiftly dropped as the patron of The Sex and Society Foundation, with the revelations starting to impact her reputation.
© Rune Hellestad - Corbis/Getty ImagesThe Secretary said: "There will not be and are no planned activities and collaborations with the Crown Princess in 2026. We all strongly distance ourselves from cases of human trafficking, violence and sexual assault."
The Council consists of 31 smaller membership organisations and hopes to prevent mental health problems, improve mental health for children and young people, focus on inclusive employment in the workplace, propose better treatment and support new research.
Mette-Marit's statement
On Friday, Mette-Marit, who is married to the future King, Crown Prince Haakon, released a fresh statement about her association with Epstein.
The updated statement, which was shared on the Royal Family's official Instagram accounts, read: "I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you that I have disappointed.
© Corbis via Getty Images"Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologize for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen."
The news release from the royal house also stated that she is in a "very demanding situation" and "needs time to gather herself".
The Palace continued: "We understand the strong reactions people have to what has emerged in recent days. The Crown Princess strongly disavows Epstein's abuse and criminal acts. She is very sorry for not having understood early enough what kind of person he was."
© GettyIt is a tense time for the family, as the Crown Princess's son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial at Oslo District Court, where he faces 38 charges, including four counts of rape. He denies the most serious charges.
The case has received a high amount of press coverage both abroad and in Norway, where, traditionally, the royal family has been very popular.
