Edward Juul Rod-Larsen, the 25-year-old son of Norwegian diplomats Terje Rod-Larsen and Mona Juul, died by suicide in Oslo on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred just days after Norwegian and French police initiated a joint investigation into his parents’ ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Family Confirmation and Public Scrutiny
Their lawyers, Thomas Skjelbred and John Christian Elden, confirmed Edward’s death. In a statement, they highlighted the toll of intense media attention: “It stands in the shadow of months of a public spotlight that has long since ceased to be critical, and has instead become suspicious, speculative and at times limitless. A spotlight that has not only affected two parents, but has also drawn their children involuntarily into the relentless machinery of the public.”
The lawyers emphasized the complexity of suicide: “Speculating on connections is both irresponsible and undignified. Suicide is always complex. There is never one explanation, never one cause, never one blame.”
Epstein Inheritance and ‘Peace Twins’ Legacy
Police opened the probe into the prominent couple following reports that Epstein bequeathed $10 million in his will to Edward and his twin sister. The siblings earned the nickname ‘Peace Twins’ at birth, as their father served as UN Deputy Secretary-General and their mother as State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Parents’ Epstein Connections Under Review
Mona Juul, who recently served as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan, resigned in February amid questions over her interactions with Epstein. Norway’s Foreign Ministry has launched reviews into Juul’s awareness and contacts with Epstein, as well as the country’s funding and engagement with the International Peace Institute—a New York think tank formerly led by Terje Rod-Larsen.
This situation remains under development.
