The recent release of over three million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has sent shockwaves through Europe’s elite, unveiling troubling ties between prominent figures and the late financier. Among those implicated are Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and Peter Mandelson, a former cabinet member in the UK, dubbed the "Prince of Darkness."
The situation escalated on February 2, 2026, as Norway's royal family found itself in turmoil over emails suggesting Crown Princess Mette-Marit had a closer relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged. An email from November 2012 referred to Epstein as a “sweetheart,” revealing a pattern of personal correspondence that the princess later described as “poor judgment.”
Mette-Marit issued an apology acknowledging her responsibility for not scrutinizing Epstein's background more thoroughly, expressing deep sympathy for his victims. This public acknowledgment comes as Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre joined the conversation, criticizing the Crown Princess's ties to Epstein as well.
In Britain, the focus has shifted to Peter Mandelson, whose emails with Epstein included discussions of sensitive government information. Mandelson's connections to Epstein have marred his reputation, especially after an email revealed he notified Epstein about former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's impending resignation in 2010. Mandelson has since resigned from his role as an ambassador to Washington, citing a desire to avert further embarrassment to the Labour Party.
The backlash from these revelations has been swift, leading to calls for increased accountability among public figures who had connections to Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his dismay over the sensitive information being compromised, echoing the thoughts of many who see these relationships as emblematic of deeper issues within the political landscape.
The public scrutiny facing both Mandelson and Mette-Marit emphasizes the rising demand for transparency regarding the relationships that influential figures maintained with Epstein during his life. This scandal is set to unfold further as both royal and political establishments come under pressure to confront and rectify their past associations.