Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway recounted a disturbing encounter with Jeffrey Epstein during a visit to Palm Beach in 2013, which left her feeling 'unsafe' enough to call her husband, Haakon. The incident occurred on the last day of her trip, prompting her to reflect critically on the situation and Epstein's manipulative behavior towards their mutual friend. Despite these feelings, Mette-Marit maintained intermittent contact with Epstein for approximately eighteen months following the Palm Beach incident.

In her recent interview with NRK, Mette-Marit expressed that she only became aware of Epstein's criminal background in 2019, despite having heard rumors about his character that suggested he was 'not a good person'. She described Epstein as manipulative yet caring when interacting with their shared friend. This complexity in their relationship led to Mette-Marit’s initial reluctance to sever ties completely, as she felt pressured by Epstein's influence as well as the connections to mutual acquaintances.

Ultimately, Mette-Marit reached a breaking point after additional troubling revelations about Epstein's behavior and reputation surfaced, leading her to make the decision to cut off contact. This situation highlights the difficulties faced by individuals in positions of power when confronting manipulative personalities, as well as the broader implications of social connections that complicate ethical decisions.