Mette-Marit of Norway withdraws from state visit amid health decline and ongoing controversy

During Crown Prince Haakon of Norway’s appearance at NATO exercises in northern Norway this past Tuesday, it became clear that the connection between Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and Jeffrey Epstein continues to overshadow official duties.

The strategy of prolonged silence has not worked so far, the heir was asked for explanations that have yet to come, while the military focus of the event faded into the background.

Hours later, the official schedule confirmed that Mette-Marit will not take part in the upcoming State Visit due to health reasons. The princess is becoming increasingly withdrawn, and this may be her way out.

From March 24 to 26, Norway will host a State Visit by the Belgian monarchs, Philippe of Belgium and Mathilde of Belgium, who will be received by King Harald V of Norway and Queen Sonja of Norway following the usual ceremonial program.

This includes an official welcome ceremony in Palace Square, a floral tribute at the national monument at Akershus Fortress, and a meeting with the President of the Storting, Norway’s parliament.

The first day will conclude with the traditional gala dinner at the Royal Palace, an event at which Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the country’s future queen, has already been confirmed absent.

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Palace communications head Guri Varpe told NRK that Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway’s health has deteriorated and that she is therefore not currently included in the State Visit program, confirming her absence from a key institutional event.

Likewise, on Thursday, March 26, Crown Prince Haakon will attend engagements alone, accompanying the Belgian royals to a business event on energy security at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, followed by a luncheon hosted by the mayor of Stavanger.

This absence is particularly notable. In the 25 years since Mette-Marit joined the Norwegian Royal Family, after marrying the heir in August 2001, she has missed only three State Visits. The most recent was in June last year, during the visit of Emmanuel Macron.

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It is also worth noting that the Crown Princess has not carried out any official engagements since her visit to Fredrikstad on January 28, and she is not listed for any upcoming royal duties.

This move, following a strategy of silence, may represent the next step in managing the crisis affecting the Norwegian monarchy since documents from the U.S. Department of Justice suggested that the princess’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was of a different nature and duration than she had previously stated.

While no one disputes her fragile health, Norwegian media have pointed out the timing between the medical press conference announcing her worsening condition and the deadline set by the U.S. Congress for the release of Epstein-related files.

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These documents reportedly included photos, messages, and plans involving Epstein and Mette-Marit. The release took place on December 19, though the sheer volume, over three million files, meant Norwegian outlets needed weeks to filter and analyze the material.

In recent weeks, amid complete silence from the Royal Household regarding an unprecedented scandal in a monarchy that has prided itself on stability and broad public support since 1905, crisis-management experts have assessed the Crown Princess’s chances of rebuilding her public image ahead of a future reign.

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The consensus is clear, the option of Mette-Marit offering a public explanation, something relatively common in the Norwegian monarchy, which traditionally gives an extensive annual television interview, is now virtually ruled out.

The precedent of Prince Andrew and his 2019 BBC interview has shown that a poorly handled appearance on the Epstein case can mark a point of no return in a reputational crisis.

Given this context, analysts have explored various scenarios, but agree on one key point, the Royal Palace in Oslo must clarify Mette-Marit’s future role within the institution, especially now that her public credibility is at its most fragile.

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At the same time, a gradual withdrawal for medical reasons appears to offer a far more manageable, and less damaging, path for the monarchy than an explicit separation linked to her association with Epstein.

Legal and protocol considerations also come into play, including her right to become queen consort when Crown Prince Haakon ascends the throne.

In this sense, her absence from the State Visit may not be an isolated incident, but rather the first phase of a long-term strategy to reposition her role without the need for public explanations.