Amandusfestivalen breaks cooperation with the crown princess – NRK Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
The festival has followed the case closely after it became known that Mette-Marit had a friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
The general manager of the festival, Eivind M. Nordengen, says that the board understands that the crown princess has laid low and expressed remorse.
– But even if we can believe that the crown princess did not necessarily know, or that she regrets that relationship, it has nevertheless in practice helped to legitimize actions that we must strongly distance ourselves from, says Nordengen to NRK.
– In practice, this has led to the patronage being a bit difficult to be in right now.
– Necessary decision
The festival was taken under royal patronage by the Crown Princess in 2006.
The decision to end the collaboration was adopted by a unanimous board.
– I have great respect for my patrons and the people who work there. I am so proud of the work that is done in these organisations, says Crown Princess Mette-Marit to NRK.
Here, Mette-Marit gave a speech for the festival as High Patron in 2010.
Photo: NRK P3
Chairman of the festival, Jens Uwe Korten, says that it was a demanding but necessary decision.
– We are simply not sure that the collaboration contributes to promoting the values we have, says Uwe Korten.
He believes that what has happened, and the way the case has been handled, has not recreated the trust the festival previously had.
Chairman Jens Uwe Korten.
Photo: Alexander Nordby / NRK
– We had a lot of trust in the crown princess, but it is primarily about promoting the festival, says the chairman.
– She has been through a demanding phase, but now we have to take responsibility for the festival we have.
The board considers that the patronage in the current situation has taken on a character that in practice is more disruptive to the festival’s work than strengthening it.
The Crown Princess: – First and foremost, I want to contribute
A number of e-mails from the years 2011–2014 have shown extensive contact between Mette-Marit and the late Jeffrey Epstein. The American billionaire was convicted of child abuse.
Sex and society, Fokus and the Norwegian library association have also chosen to end their collaboration with the crown princess.
After several breaches, the Crown Princess now has patronage for 18 organisations.
– They do so much important work in Norway. I naturally want to continue the collaboration. But if any of the organizations needs to end the patronage or put it on hold, then I understand that. I primarily want to contribute, says Mette-Marit.
Published
28.04.2026, kl. 09.46
Updated
28.04.2026, kl. 12.26
DOCUMENTED REFERENCES
Exploring Documented Records
Public interest in the Epstein case continues not only because of court proceedings and testimonies, but also due to the growing body of documented records that help researchers and readers understand the broader context. Beyond legal files and media reports, some independent projects have organized publicly available data connected to Epstein’s activities.
One example is a structured archive of documented Amazon order records, where purchases are cataloged with dates and product details. While individual items do not prove wrongdoing on their own, examining documented information alongside established facts helps paint a clearer picture of the environment and circumstances surrounding the case.
Browse the structured archive of documented order records
For readers looking to review primary-source style data rather than interpretations, exploring compiled records can provide additional context to the broader discussion.
