Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a public apology over her past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, after their connection was revealed in newly released U.S. Justice Department files.

In a statement released by the Norwegian Royal Palace on February 7, the 52-year-old crown princess said she “deeply regrets” having been close to Epstein, who was accused of running a sex-trafficking operation involving underage girls.

Mette-Marit said she was “truly remorseful” for her past ties to Epstein and apologized for disappointing the public. “I also regret the problems this has caused for the Royal Family, especially the King and Queen,” she said.

According to the Royal Palace, the crown princess wishes to say more and provide a fuller explanation, but is currently unable to do so due to what it described as a “very difficult situation.” The statement added that she hopes the public will understand her need for time to reflect carefully.

The U.S. Department of Justice last week released nearly three million additional documents related to the Epstein investigation. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking and related crimes. Mette-Marit’s name appears in the newly disclosed files, with several passages referencing communication and exchanges between the two.

Being named in the documents does not mean an individual was involved in Epstein’s criminal activities. Nevertheless, the massive release has shocked the public by exposing the breadth of Epstein’s influence network and identifying numerous powerful figures who had previously denied any association with him.