- The Norwegian Parliament rejected a proposal to abolish the monarchy (141-26 vote), citing its role as a stabilizing institution above partisan politics.
- Newly released Epstein documents reveal extensive communications between Crown Princess Mette-Marit' and Epstein post-2008 conviction, including invitations to his private island. Public trust has eroded, with only 33% of Norwegians supporting her future as queen.
- Princess Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces 38 charges, including rape, assault and drug possession. If convicted, he could receive up to 10 years in prison, further damaging the monarchy's reputation.
- The documents implicate high-profile figures worldwide, reinforcing suspicions of elite blackmail networks involving sex trafficking and pedophilia. Norwegian royals are now part of this broader scandal, raising concerns about institutional accountability.
- While the monarchy survives, declining public support (61% approval, down from 72%) and ongoing scandals threaten its long-term stability. Republican sentiment is growing (27%), fueled by distrust of hereditary privilege and elite impunity.
Norway's parliament decisively voted to retain its constitutional monarchy on Tuesday, Feb. 3, despite mounting scandals involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her son's ongoing criminal trial.
In a 141-26 vote, lawmakers in the unicameral Storting rejected a proposal to transition Norway into a republic, reaffirming the monarchy's role as a stabilizing force above partisan politics. The decision comes amid declining public support for the royals, fueled by revelations from newly released Epstein documents and the legal troubles of Princess Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby.
Norwegian media reported that Mette-Marit was mentioned over 1,000 times in the recently unsealed Epstein files, detailing her communications with the disgraced financier after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving minors. According to broadcaster NRK, Epstein twice invited the princess to his private island, though it remains unclear whether she accepted.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly rebuked the princess, stating she had shown "poor judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein. In response, Mette-Marit issued a rare apology over the weekend, acknowledging the controversy.
The scandal has eroded public confidence in the monarchy. A Verdens Gang poll released Tuesday showed support for retaining the royals dropped from 72% in 2025 to 61%, while republican sentiment rose to 27%. Notably, only 33% of Norwegians believe Mette-Marit should become queen, with 44% opposed.
Adding to the royal family's woes, Marius Borg Høiby, the princess' 29-year-old son from a previous relationship, appeared in court Tuesday facing 38 criminal charges, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault and drug possession.
Høiby, who was already detained in October for allegedly abusing former girlfriends, was arrested again last weekend on suspicion of additional offenses. While he denies the most serious allegations, including rape and domestic violence, he has admitted to some lesser charges. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison – further tarnishing the royal family's reputation.
Supporters of the monarchy argue it provides "stability and continuity" in Norway's political system, while opponents contend hereditary privilege has no place in a modern democracy. The rejected proposal sought to replace the king with an elected president.
"The sponsors seek to amend the constitution so that Norway's head of state is elected by the people, that is, a president," the failed proposal stated. One pro-monarchy lawmaker said the monarchy represents Norway's history and unity and changing it would be an unnecessary upheaval.
Monarchy survives despite growing republican sentiment
Critics, however, pointed to the scandals as evidence of systemic flaws. A republican legislator argued that democracy should not bow to inherited titles and power must reside with elected representatives, not unaccountable elites.
The Epstein documents, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, have implicated numerous high-profile figures worldwide, including politicians, business leaders and royalty. While Epstein's connections to Prince Andrew, former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump have long been scrutinized, the Norwegian crown princess' name appearing so frequently has shocked the Scandinavian nation.
According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.ai: The inclusion of royalty—most notably Prince Andrew—in the Epstein files has sent shockwaves through global power structures, exposing a sordid network of pedophilia, sex trafficking and elite blackmail that transcends national borders and institutional safeguards.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier, cultivated relationships with political leaders, billionaires, scientists and royals, using underage girls as currency to secure influence and immunity.
The revelation that British royalty was entangled in this criminal enterprise underscores the pervasive corruption among the world's most privileged elites and raises urgent questions about who else remains protected.
Despite the parliamentary vote, the monarchy's future remains uncertain. Public trust has been shaken, and the royal family must now navigate ongoing legal battles and lingering Epstein-related fallout.
For now, King Harald V and Queen Sonja retain their roles, but the scandals surrounding their heir's family threaten to weaken the institution's standing. As Norway watches Marius Høiby's trial unfold and awaits further Epstein revelations, the debate over monarchy versus republic is far from settled.
Watch the video below about the new batch of Epstein files that is coming out.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
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