Norway royal household reaches out to protector organizations following renewed scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past contact with deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The move marks the latest development in an ongoing effort by the palace to manage fallout from the princess’s association with the convicted sex offender, who died in U.S. custody in 2019.
On Friday, the Royal Secretariat sent a letter on behalf of Crown Princess Mette-Marit to all organizations under her patronage. In it, she thanked them for their “consideration and honesty” and acknowledged their need for clarity. Earlier this week, at least two of those groups—Kirkens SOS and Amandusfestivalen—confirmed they received direct outreach from Gry Høeg Ulverud, head of the Royal Secretariat.
Seeking Dialogue Amid Uncertainty
Kirkens SOS, a crisis support organization rooted in the Church of Norway, said it welcomed the opportunity to continue dialogue with the palace. Acting Secretary-General Asle Bjorvatn emphasized that the group’s mission—to offer someone to talk to when life is difficult—aligns with maintaining open communication during uncertain times.
“Our conversation offer to people in crisis is not only comforting but also preventive,” Bjorvatn said. “It is consistent with our values to engage in dialogue with the palace about the future of the Crown Princess’s collaboration with us.”
The organization confirmed it had accepted the invitation and held a conversation with the Royal Secretariat on Thursday. Bjorvatn declined to detail the content of that discussion but noted that the matter would be formally addressed at Kirkens SOS’s national board meeting on Monday, March 9.
Festival Leadership Open to Talks
Amandusfestivalen, a youth-focused film festival based in Lillehammer, also received contact from the palace. Festival director Eivind M. Nordengen said the Royal Secretariat reached out to confirm receipt of Friday’s letter and to check his availability for further discussion.
“We’ve said we’re very much open to continued dialogue,” Nordengen stated. Like Kirkens SOS, Amandusfestivalen has not severed ties with the Crown Princess but is seeking more information before making any decisions about the future of the patronage.
Neither organization has indicated plans to end its relationship with Mette-Marit, though both stressed the importance of transparency. The Crown Princess has not yet provided full details about the nature or extent of her interactions with Epstein, beyond acknowledging they occurred.
Patronage Under Review
Crown Princess Mette-Marit serves as protector—or official patron—for numerous Norwegian civil society organizations. These roles are largely ceremonial but carry significant symbolic weight, often boosting public visibility and credibility for the groups involved. In recent days, several of these organizations have signaled they require more information before deciding whether to retain her as their representative.
The Royal Secretariat’s proactive outreach appears aimed at preserving these relationships while giving the princess time to prepare a fuller statement. In last Friday’s letter, Mette-Marit wrote that she intends to say more about her connection to Epstein but “is not able to do so yet.”
The timing of the palace’s move follows weeks of media attention in Norway and abroad, reignited by renewed international reporting on Epstein’s network. Though Mette-Marit has never been accused of wrongdoing, her past social ties to the financier have drawn questions about judgment and due diligence, particularly given Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Managing Reputation, One Conversation at a Time
The current approach reflects a careful, behind-the-scenes strategy by the Royal Secretariat rather than a public relations blitz. By initiating direct, private conversations with key organizations, palace officials appear to be prioritizing trust-building over broad declarations.
Gry Høeg Ulverud, who leads the secretariat from offices at the Royal Palace in Oslo, has taken personal charge of the outreach. Her role includes managing administrative and communicative tasks for the royal family, making her the natural point person for sensitive matters involving patronage and public image.
So far, VG has not learned whether other protector organizations have been contacted. The total number of groups under Mette-Marit’s patronage exceeds two dozen, spanning fields such as mental health, arts education, maritime safety, and youth development. Many are small, locally rooted nonprofits that rely on royal endorsement for fundraising and awareness.
For these groups, the dilemma is practical as well as ethical. Ending a royal patronage could mean losing media attention and donor confidence, even if done on principle. Continuing it without clarity, however, risks reputational damage if new details about Epstein emerge.
A Waiting Game for Civil Society
As of now, no organization has publicly withdrawn its association with the Crown Princess. Kirkens SOS and Amandusfestivalen represent early test cases—their willingness to engage in dialogue may influence others’ decisions.
Bjorvatn made clear that Kirkens SOS sees value in patience. “We believe in walking alongside people through difficult periods,” he said, echoing the organization’s core ethos. That philosophy may extend to their royal patron, at least for the moment.
Still, the March 9 board meeting looms as a potential turning point. If the national leadership decides the lack of information is untenable, it could set a precedent for other groups to follow. Conversely, if they choose to maintain the partnership pending further disclosure, it may ease pressure on the palace.
The Crown Princess’s office has not responded to requests for additional comment. Her last public acknowledgment came via the Friday letter, which stopped short of specifics but affirmed her intent to address the issue directly in due course.
What Comes Next?
For now, the ball is in Mette-Marit’s court. The organizations she supports are holding space—but not indefinitely. Their openness to dialogue is conditional on eventual transparency. Without it, even long-standing royal patronages may not survive the scrutiny.
In a country where the monarchy enjoys broad but not unconditional support, the handling of this episode could shape public perception for years. Norwegians generally respect the royal family’s charitable work, but they also expect accountability—especially when global figures like Epstein are involved.
Will the Crown Princess’s forthcoming explanation satisfy her partners? And will it come soon enough to preserve the network of goodwill she has built over two decades? For now, Oslo waits—and watches.