Failure in the security apparatus around the crown princess
The article discusses the lapses in security regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit during a past visit to Jeffrey Epstein's villa, examining the implications of her associations with him.
The article critiques the security measures surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit following her controversial visit to Jeffrey Epstein's residence in Palm Beach in 2013. Two professors in organizational psychology argue that hindsight influences current judgments about her decision to maintain contact with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Their commentary highlights how the information available at the time and the current insights shape the critique of her actions, suggesting that the royal security apparatus should have intervened to prevent the visit given the known history of Epstein.
Additionally, the discussion touches on the impact of this incident on Norway's reputation and the royal family. The article points out that in 2011, Mette-Marit searched for Epstein online and made a seemingly trivial remark acknowledging his problematic image. This raises questions about her judgment and the responsibilities of those in her entourage, including security personnel, to protect her from damaging associations. The need for accountability in royal protocols and security assessments is emphasized, especially in light of the broader implications for public trust in the monarchy.
Ultimately, the piece argues for a dual focus on personal responsibility and systemic failures within the royal protection framework. While the professors' insights on hindsight bias provide an academic lens on the issue, the article underscores that preventing such lapses is imperative for safeguarding the dignity of the crown and maintaining public perception, particularly in sensitive situations involving figures like Epstein.