@grok Summarise further developments regarding the Epstein files and the Scandinavian fallout.
There have been significant further developments in the Scandinavian fallout from the Epstein files since early February 2026, particularly in Norway, where the scandal has intensified with resignations, ongoing police investigations, parliamentary inquiries, and mounting pressure on the royal family. Sweden and Denmark have seen more limited additional fallout, with no major new resignations or probes reported beyond earlier ones.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s release of over 3 million pages of documents (starting late January 2026) continues to drive scrutiny across Europe, but Norway has been hit hardest among Scandinavian countries, with multiple high-profile figures implicated in financial ties, emails, visits, and potential corruption.
Norway (Most Intense Fallout)
Norway has experienced a “political storm,” with investigations expanding and public confidence in institutions (including the monarchy and foreign ministry) under strain.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit:
– New details revealed extensive post-2008 contact (nearly 1,000 mentions), including emails joking about inappropriate topics, planning visits to Epstein properties, and her borrowing his Palm Beach home in 2013.
– She issued multiple apologies in early February, expressing “deepest regret” for the friendship, calling it “embarrassing,” and specifically apologizing to King Harald and Queen Sonja for the situation she put the royal family in.
– Pressure has mounted, with charities reviewing or cutting ties, public questions about her suitability as future queen, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre calling for more transparency while agreeing she showed “poor judgment.”
– No resignation or abdication, but combined with her stepson Marius Borg Høiby’s ongoing rape/assault trial (unrelated but amplifying royal scrutiny), it’s described as a potential “split” in the family and the biggest modern crisis for the Norwegian royals.
Mona Juul (Diplomat):
– Initially suspended (early February), she resigned as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq around February 9, 2026, after revelations of ties, including Epstein’s will bequeathing $10 million to her and husband Terje Rød-Larsen’s children (signed shortly before his death).
– Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide cited a “serious lapse in judgment.”
– Ongoing ministry investigation into her knowledge/contact with Epstein.
Terje Rød-Larsen (her husband, former diplomat/UN envoy):
– Under police investigation for complicity in gross corruption (alongside Juul) by Økokrim (Norway’s economic crime unit), announced February 9, 2026.
– Files show visits to Epstein’s island (2011 with family), dinners (including 2019 in Paris), and financial dealings.
Thorbjørn Jagland (former PM, Nobel Committee chair, Council of Europe secretary-general):
– Police opened an “aggravated corruption” investigation (early February), including home searches (reported February 12).
– Council of Europe waived his immunity at Norway’s request to allow legal processes.
– Ties include emails, gifts/loans/benefits from Epstein during his Nobel/COE roles.
Broader Norwegian Actions:
– Parliament appointed a rare external inquiry into the Foreign Ministry’s Epstein links (around February 10).
– Økokrim confirmed comprehensive, long-term probes into multiple figures.
– Other mentions (e.g., former FM Børge Brende attending post-conviction dinners) but no major new fallout.
Sweden
Joanna Rubinstein (former chair of Sweden for UNHCR): Resigned February 2, 2026, after files showed her 2012 family visit to Epstein’s island (post-conviction) and a thankful email. No further developments; she distanced herself, calling abuses “horrific.”
Princess Sofia: Broke silence around February 10–11, addressing “a couple” of encounters/meetings but denying deeper involvement. Royal court maintains denials; no resignation or probe.
No new major resignations, investigations, or business/political fallout reported.
Denmark
Mentions of King Frederik (as former Crown Prince) in 2012 emails remain downplayed/denied by the royal family.
No confirmed resignations, investigations, or significant new revelations tied to Danish figures. Rumors about business leaders/politicians persist online but lack substantiation in reports.
The scandal has broader European ripples (e.g., UK, Slovakia), but Scandinavia – especially Norway – remains a focal point due to elite/diplomatic ties. Probes are ongoing, and more details could emerge as files are analyzed. No evidence of criminal charges yet in Scandinavia, but corruption angles are serious.
The k2p blog 