Oslo, Norway – – The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old stepson of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, continues to grip the nation, unfolding against a backdrop of intensifying scrutiny of the royal family. Høiby is facing 38 charges, including four counts of rape and the proceedings have been marked by harrowing testimony and revelations linking the Crown Princess to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The latest developments in the case, as reported by Norwegian and international media, reveal a deeply unsettling account from one of the alleged victims. According to reports from Nieuwsblad and AD.nl, the woman testified that she awoke to find Høiby engaging in sexual activity with her, describing the experience as her “greatest nightmare.” She stated she had no recollection of events leading up to the encounter.
Høiby denies the four rape charges but has admitted to some of the other 34 charges against him, including transporting drugs and speeding. He has not been accused of drugging anyone, according to the BBC. The defendant appeared in court on , pleading not guilty to the rape allegations, speaking quietly as prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø detailed the charges. He was described as appearing shaken, and reportedly received hospital treatment overnight after an alleged assault on .
The trial is taking place under heavy restrictions, with a ban on photographing the defendant inside or outside the courtroom. He has been seen in court wearing a simple white T-shirt and olive-green trousers, and at times fiddling with a bracelet, as detailed in reports from the BBC and CNN. The court has imposed significant limitations on media coverage, reflecting the sensitivity of the case and the high profile of those involved.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the trial coincides with growing public concern over Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. Hundreds of messages exchanged over a three-year period have come to light, prompting criticism of the “unguarded, warm tone” of the exchanges, as reported by the BBC. The palace has stated that the Crown Princess has postponed a private trip “until further notice” and has expressed regret and acknowledged “poor judgement” regarding the correspondence.
Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon when her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was four years old. Høiby is not a member of the royal family and does not hold a royal title, but has grown up within the extended royal circle. This distinction has been emphasized by his lawyer, who has argued for a fair trial and condemned what he described as unfair press treatment, according to the BBC.
The case is unprecedented for the Norwegian royal family, known for its carefully cultivated image of stability and discretion. Experts suggest the trial and the surrounding controversy represent a significant challenge to the monarchy’s public standing. The seven-week trial, taking place in courtroom 250 at Oslo district court, is expected to draw intense media attention and public interest.
Reports from HLN indicate that Høiby has expressed his discomfort with the proceedings, stating he finds it “particularly unpleasant” to be in court. He has also reportedly requested a break during the trial, citing exhaustion. These moments of vulnerability offer a glimpse into the personal toll the case is taking on the defendant.
The charges against Høiby extend beyond the allegations of rape. He also faces accusations of repeatedly striking his former partner, choking her, making threats, and destroying her property, as detailed by CNN. He is charged with non-consensual sexual filming or photography, as well as drug-related and driving offenses. If convicted on all counts, he could face a prison sentence exceeding ten years, according to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK.
The unfolding legal drama has placed the Norwegian royal family under intense public scrutiny, raising questions about its transparency and accountability. The case is likely to have lasting implications for the monarchy’s relationship with the Norwegian public and its international reputation. The trial continues, with Marius Borg Høiby expected to take the stand for the first time, offering his own account of the events that have brought his family and the nation to this critical juncture.
