The Norwegian Royal Family remains a fixture of international headlines following a series of controversies that have thrust the monarchy into an uncomfortable spotlight. While the intensity of the attention has ebbed and flowed, Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s return to the official diary signals a new chapter for the family, particularly after scrutiny regarding her past links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
© Patrick van Katwijk/Getty ImagesMette-Marit, then a single mother to son Marius, married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001
Mette-Marit’s return in the eye of the storm
The Royal Court has announced a new engagement for the Crown Princess, ending a period away from the spotlight that had raised eyebrows among royal watchers. On 10 April, the 52-year-old royal is scheduled to appear alongside her husband Crown Prince Haakon and her two younger children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesNorwegian Princess Ingrid is second in line to the throne
This united front alongside the next generation, including poised future queen Princess Ingrid, will no doubt serve as a powerful display of family solidarity. The appearance echoes Prince Haakon’s recent public backing of his wife. “I always want her on my team,” he remarked in his latest television interview.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesCrown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit with daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, in December
The future of the Norwegian monarchy will host a reception for the athletes who competed in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. The event marks a rare full family appearance at a time when the couple remains under intense scrutiny. Her return also follows a health update from the Palace regarding her chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which has forced the Princess to scale back her public diary significantly. This combination of health struggles and personal turmoil has ensured the media’s gaze remains fixed on the palace.
Marius, Epstein and a health battle
Princess Mette-Marit has been largely out of the public eye for several weeks, a disappearance attributed to both her ongoing health issues and the deepening legal crisis surrounding her son, Marius Borg Høiby. Marius is currently facing more than 30 criminal charges, with legal proceedings that began in February potentially leading to a prison sentence. A final resolution is expected in the coming weeks.
In a January 2026 press release, Crown Prince Haakon said, “Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by this case.” The future King also added: “Marius Borg Høiby is not a member of the Royal House of Norway and is therefore autonomous. We care about him, and he is an important member of our family. He is a citizen of Norway and, as such, has the same responsibilities as everyone else – as well as the same rights.”
© LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesMarius, seen here with his mother, is Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship
Compounding these personal stresses is the recent declassification of documents by the US Department of Justice, which shed light on the Crown Princess’s historic links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelation prompted the Princess to issue a formal apology to King Harald and Queen Sonja. She later addressed the matter candidly on Norwegian public television (NRK) alongside her husband. “Epstein behaved towards me in a way I didn’t like. I can’t hide it,” she admitted, adding that one encounter made her feel “so insecure” that she called Haakon for support.
Resuming her role
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesCrown Princess Mette-Marit is struggling with serious illness, a son in legal trouble and her appearance in the Epstein files
After appearing at an official reception for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium in March – but notably missing the subsequent State Banquet due to ill health – Mette-Marit is stepping back into the fray. Though her return may be temporary, the upcoming engagement is a calculated gesture of resilience and family unity during one of the most complex periods in the history of the Norwegian Royal House.