Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit: A Journey from Turbulent Youth
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway rose from a single mother with a self-described wild youth to her role as future queen consort. King Harald V praised her on her wedding day as an extraordinary girl embracing an extraordinary life. Before joining Europe’s royalty, she admitted to a rebellious phase that pushed boundaries.
“My youth rebellion was much stronger than many others,” she stated at a pre-wedding press conference. “That resulted in me living quite a wild life.” She expressed deep remorse for crossing limits, particularly with drugs. “We went over the limits, and I’m very sorry about that. It was important for me to live in defiance of what was accepted,” she added. “I cannot make these choices again. I hope to move past discussions of my history.”
Early Life in Kristiansand
Born Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby on August 19, 1973, in Kristiansand to Marit Tjessem and Sven Olaf Bjarte Høiby, Crown Prince Haakon once called her a bright southern girl. She became a single mother to son Marius Borg Høiby in January 1997 from a prior relationship. Now 29, Marius faces trial at Oslo District Court on 38 charges, including four counts of rape. The six-week proceedings, set to conclude in March, carry a potential ten-year prison sentence if convicted.
Romance with Crown Prince Haakon
The couple connected through mutual friends in summer 1997, though dating began around 1999. “I don’t have a clear answer as to when we got together,” Haakon shared in 2001. He highlighted her radiance, friendliness, and presence as captivating qualities.
During a press conference on her past, Haakon affirmed, “I think that together we are stronger than I am by myself.” Their engagement announced December 1, 2000, led to a wedding on August 25, 2001, at Oslo Cathedral, attended by royals like Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King Frederik of Denmark, and King Felipe of Spain. Marius served as groomsman.
At the palace gala dinner, King Harald addressed her: “You are not an ordinary girl—you are an extraordinary girl. You are unusually open and honest, committed, with extraordinary willpower and bravery. You have made an extraordinary choice today, entering an extraordinary life.”
Family and Health Struggles
Besides Marius, Mette-Marit and Haakon share Princess Ingrid Alexandra, second in line to the throne, and Prince Sverre Magnus.
Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, she noted regular health challenges affecting her schedule. “The condition means that my working capacity will vary,” she explained. “Even if such a diagnosis limits my life at times, I am glad it was discovered early. My goal remains to participate in official duties as much as possible.”
In October 2025, treatment resumed. December updates revealed worsening tests, prompting preparations for a potential lung transplant at Rikshospitalet.
Jeffrey Epstein Friendship and Recent Fallout
Mette-Marit’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced after the U.S. Department of Justice released over three million files in January 2026. Messages revealed affectionate exchanges, including her noting he was “very charming” and “such a sweetheart,” and that he “always make[s] me smile because you tickle my brain.” In 2011, post his sex offender registration, she emailed about a Google search: “Agree didn’t look too good : ).” A 2012 message asked if it was inappropriate for her 15-year-old son’s wallpaper to feature two naked women on a surfboard.
On February 6, she issued a statement: “I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologize to all of you that I have disappointed. Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologize for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen.”
The palace indicated she needs time to respond further amid personal challenges, including her son’s trial.
Path to Queenship Amid Controversy
As spouse of heir Haakon, Mette-Marit stands to become queen consort. Princess Ragnhild, King Harald’s late sister, once hoped to pass before witnessing it. Recent Epstein revelations have fueled debate. Niklas Kokkinn-Thoresen, editor-in-chief of Se og Hør Norway, warned they cast doubt on her honesty and could harm the monarchy if questions linger.
