Now as Norwegians prepare for the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, questions are being asked about his mother’s failure to realise the toxic nature of maintaining contact with Epstein, and the role of her advisers.
Mette-Marit is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and her doctors are preparing to put her on a list for a lung transplant.
Her 29-year-old son, who is not part of the royal family, denies the most serious charges against him. One charge of rape involves intercourse while a woman was asleep. Three others allege sexual assault while women were incapacitated, which also counts as rape in Norway.
If found guilty he could face at least 10 years in jail.
No member of the royal family will attend the trial, which starts at Oslo district court on Tuesday.
However, in an emotional statement to reporters last week, Crown Prince Haakon said “our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by this case…we understand that this is a difficult time for many of you, and we sympathise”.
Although his stepson was not a member of the royal family he said: “We care about him, and he is an important member of our family.”