The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, has gone on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges including the rape of four women, assault, and drug offenses, in a case that has brought unprecedented scrutiny to the Norwegian royal family. The trial, which began on Tuesday, is scheduled to last seven weeks until mid-March and is being closely watched by media worldwide, with the palace emphasizing that Høiby is not a formal member of the royal house.
Høiby, 29, is accused of a range of serious crimes dating back to 2018, with the most severe allegations involving four separate rape incidents where the women were asleep or incapacitated. Some of these acts were reportedly filmed, adding to the gravity of the charges. He has admitted to some lesser offenses, such as physical abuse and drug transportation, but denies the rape and more violent assault allegations, saving his full defense for the court proceedings. The investigation revealed additional offences after his initial arrest in August 2024, highlighting a pattern of behavior that has shocked the nation.
The case has deeply embarrassed the royal family, particularly his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is battling pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung illness, and has expressed regret over the situation. Neither she nor Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby’s stepfather, plan to attend the trial, though Haakon has issued statements expressing sympathy for all affected and confidence in the legal process. The palace has stressed that Høiby, while a close family member, holds no royal title or official role, and is being treated as any other citizen under the law, with prosecutors insisting on equal justice.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo has emphasized that justice must be applied equally, regardless of Høiby’s connections, and if convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison. The trial has uncovered Høiby’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, which he has acknowledged, but the focus remains on the alleged crimes and their impact on the victims, several of whom are expected to testify publicly. Evidence will include testimonies from multiple women, with one former girlfriend, Nora Haukland, identified after losing her anonymity appeal, detailing allegations of physical and psychological abuse.
This scandal is considered the most significant in Norway’s monarchy history, surpassing previous controversies and coming amid other royal embarrassments, such as Princess Märtha Louise’s marriage to an American shaman and links to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, public support for the monarchy remains relatively high, with recent polls showing around 70% approval, though experts note a growing critical stance and the potential for long-term reputational damage. The royal family’s openness, once a strength, is now being tested as they navigate personal loyalty and public duty.
The trial coincides with a parliamentary vote on the monarchy’s future, though no major changes are expected. For now, the proceedings in Oslo’s district court are drawing global attention, with the verdict expected several weeks after the trial ends, potentially shaping the future of Norway’s royal institution. The case has also sparked discussions about abuse reporting and legal accountability in Norwegian society, adding broader social implications to the personal and royal drama.
