Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has publicly criticized Crown Princess Mette-Marit for her poor judgment regarding her contact with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Støre urged the Crown Princess to come forward with the full truth about her connections, emphasizing that it is important for Norwegian citizens to be informed, especially given the gravity of the allegations surrounding Epstein. This statement has garnered support from all other party leaders in the Storting, with the exception of Trygve Slagsvold Vedum of the Center Party, who has not publicly backed Støre's message.

The issue began to surface following the release of documents detailing Epstein’s contacts, which included several notable names. Prime Minister Støre first raised concerns about the Crown Princess' contact with Epstein nearly six weeks ago and has been pressing for more transparency. Although Mette-Marit has expressed through her court that she wishes to explain and clarify her involvement, she has not yet done so, leading to public frustration and demand for accountability from the royal family.

This situation highlights the delicate balance between the royal institution and its public image, especially concerning sensitive topics like associations with figures who have been involved in criminal activities. The pressure from political leaders underscores the expectation that members of the royal family maintain a level of transparency with the public, which could provoke discussions about their roles and responsibilities within Norwegian society. As public sentiment grows for the Crown Princess to address these issues, the royal household's response will be crucial in determining the impact on her reputation and the monarchy as a whole.