New US-released Epstein files link Norwegian politicians and Crown Princess Mette-Marit to him, triggering investigations in Norway.
The release of new Epstein files in the United States has created major political turmoil in Norway, after documents linked senior politicians and members of the royal family to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The newly published documents, described as the largest batch so far, reportedly contain around 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 photos. The files were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by US President Donald Trump in November. The release followed political pressure from supporters who had demanded greater transparency.
As journalists and investigators review the documents, new revelations continue to emerge.
Among the international names mentioned in the Epstein Files are Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and British politician Peter Mandelson. In Norway, attention has focused on former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, former Foreign Minister Børge Brende, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Norwegian police have launched a criminal investigation over Epstein Files into Thorbjørn Jagland, a senior Labour Party politician aged 75, over suspected financial corruption.
Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister (1996–1997), foreign minister (2000–2001), and later as secretary-general of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He was also chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
According to reports, emails between Jagland and Epstein were found in the newly released files. Authorities are examining whether Jagland received gifts, loans, or travel benefits during his time in office.
Some Norwegian media outlets reported that Jagland had allegedly planned a family trip to Epstein’s private island in 2014, though the trip was later canceled.
Jagland’s lawyer has strongly denied the allegations, stating there is no evidence that he accepted any improper benefits. Jagland has acknowledged that maintaining contact with Epstein was a mistake but denied discussing Epstein’s crimes or private life.
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Because of his former international position, Jagland currently has legal immunity. Norwegian police have requested that this protection be removed to allow further investigation over Epstein Files.
Former Foreign Minister Børge Brende, now president of the World Economic Forum, is also mentioned in the files.
Documents show Brende had business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages. Brende, 60, has said he had limited contact with Epstein and met him at a dinner in 2018 where Epstein was introduced as an American investor.
Brende admitted attending two additional dinners and exchanging a small number of messages but said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal background at the time. He has expressed regret for not researching Epstein more thoroughly.
The World Economic Forum has stated it will review Brende’s communications.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, is also facing public scrutiny after emails revealed years of communication with Epstein.
While their friendship was previously known, the newly released messages provide more detail about their contact. Some emails reportedly contained remarks that critics have described as inappropriate.
In response, the crown princess expressed regret and apologized publicly, stating she deeply sympathizes with Epstein’s victims. She said she should have conducted better background checks and described her contact with him as “a serious mistake.”
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Political Reaction in Norway Over Epstein Files
The revelations have sparked intense political debate in Norway.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has contacted the Council of Europe to request the removal of Jagland’s legal immunity. Opposition parties are demanding a broader independent investigation into possible misconduct within government institutions.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has voiced support for the ongoing police investigation but said a special independent inquiry is not currently necessary.
Lawmakers from both government and opposition parties have questioned whether further disclosures could follow, raising concerns about ethical standards at the highest levels of Norwegian politics.
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