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Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has expressed her "profound regret" and apologised for her friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after increased scrutiny about her contact with him. Crown Prince Haakon's wife dominated headlines this week after her various conversations with the US financier emerged in the newly released files by the US Department of Justice, just as her son went to trial this week for multiple offences, including charges of rape.

The Epstein files contained several hundred mentions of the crown princess, who, according to local media, already said in 2019 that she regretted having had contact with Epstein. The documents, which include email exchanges, showed that Mette-Marit borrowed an Epstein-owned property in Palm Beach, Florida, for several days in 2013.

On Friday, the Royal House of Norway said in an Instagram post that the crown princess wants to discuss what happened and explain herself in more detail, but is unable to do so at present.

The announcement read: "We understand the strong reactions people have to what has come to light in recent days.

"The Crown Princess strongly distances herself from Epstein's abuse and criminal acts. She is very sorry for not having understood early enough what kind of person he was.

"The Crown Princess would like to talk about what happened and explain herself in more detail. She is unable to do so now."

"The Crown Princess is in a very demanding situation. She hopes for understanding that she needs time to gather herself."

It also released a statement by Mette-Marit herself, who apologised to the public and the royal family for the position that she has "put them in".

She said: "I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you whom 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 apologise for the situation that I have put the Royal House in, especially the King and Queen."

Another email from November 2012 saw the crown princess asking Epstein: "Is it inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my I5-year-old son's wallpaper?"

He replied, "Let them decide," and advised that the mother should, "Stay out of it."

Mette-Marit said in a statement issued shortly after the files were released that she "must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein's background more thoroughly, and for not realising sooner what kind of person he was." She added: "I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing."

Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing.