Revelations of connections between several European royal family members and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have triggered a crisis within multiple monarchies. The long-held posture of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England – “Never complain, never explain” – has been challenged by the Thursday detention of her third son, Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III. He will now be required to explain his actions to law enforcement.
Royal Scrutiny Across Europe
The situation is too tense in Norway, where Princess Mette-Marit, wife of heir to the throne Haakon, appears approximately one thousand times in Epstein’s files and has issued two apologies. Historian Gerard Aalders suggests the only way to contain the damage is to distance implicated members from the core of the institution, citing the departure of former King Juan Carlos I of Spain as a comparable example.
Prince Andrew has already been stripped of his titles and removed from his decades-long residence. While further action may be limited without constitutional changes, Aalders notes abolishing the monarchy would require broad consensus, which is tricky to achieve in countries with active monarchies.
In Norway, the ongoing trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the princess’s son from a previous relationship, is also impacting public perception. Borg Høiby is accused of 38 crimes, including rape and abuse. Despite not being a formal member of the royal household, he was raised within that environment. Recent polling indicates 47.6% of Norwegians would prefer Mette-Marit not turn into queen consort, though support for the monarchy remains, with 141 of 169 parliamentarians voting to maintain the institution this February.
Responses from Other Royal Houses
Prince Laurent of Belgium, the younger brother of King Philippe, also appears in Epstein’s documents. He stated that Epstein sought introductions to his parents “to present them to his millionaire friends,” but he refused.
Aalders believes the “impossible task” for any monarchy is ensuring its members serve as positive examples. The shift away from silence is evident in the United Kingdom, where King Charles III has stated that “justice must follow its course” regarding his brother, and the Prince and Princess of Wales have hired a crisis communications expert, Liza Ravenscroft, and expressed “deep concern” for the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the detention of Prince Andrew?
Prince Andrew was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of additional records by the U.S. Justice Department.
What has been the response from King Charles III?
King Charles III has stated that “justice must follow its course” and has effectively removed his brother, Prince Andrew, from royal duties.
What is the situation regarding Princess Mette-Marit of Norway?
Princess Mette-Marit’s name appears approximately one thousand times in Jeffrey Epstein’s files, and she has issued two apologies. She currently enjoys immunity as the wife of the heir to the Norwegian throne.
As royal families navigate these challenges, the question remains: how will these events reshape the role and public perception of monarchy in the 21st century?
