Oslo – The Norwegian royal household is facing a mounting crisis as the rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old stepson of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, commenced on , coinciding with renewed scrutiny of the Crown Princess’s past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The unfolding events represent an unprecedented challenge to the stability and public image of the traditionally private Norwegian monarchy.
Høiby appeared at Oslo District Court on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to four counts of rape, according to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK. The trial is expected to last seven weeks and centers around 38 charges, including rape, repeated abuse of a former partner, non-consensual sexual filming or photography, drug-related offenses, and driving infractions. If convicted, Høiby could face a prison sentence exceeding ten years.
The charges detail allegations of repeated violence against a former girlfriend, including instances of physical assault, choking, threats, and property destruction. He also denies allegations of filming women without their consent. Høiby was arrested again on , just days before the trial began, on new charges of assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order, leading to his remand in custody for four weeks. This is the fourth time he has been detained by police since .
While Høiby is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, he is excluded from the line of royal succession as he was born before his mother, Mette-Marit, married the Crown Prince in . Despite this, the case has drawn intense public and media attention, placing the royal family under significant pressure.
Adding to the turmoil, newly released information regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein has sparked widespread criticism. The Crown Princess admitted to “poor judgement” regarding her contact with Epstein, acknowledging a three-year exchange between and . She reportedly stayed at Epstein’s Florida home for four nights while he was absent and even inquired about the appropriateness of displaying provocative imagery in a teenage son’s bedroom.
The timing of these revelations, coinciding with her stepson’s trial, has amplified the public outcry. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has implicitly criticized the Crown Princess’s actions, describing her admission of poor judgement as unusual. The Crown Princess has expressed “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein,” but her apology has been met with skepticism by some.
The Norwegian royal family has traditionally maintained a high degree of privacy, and this dual scandal represents a significant departure from its established norms. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have announced they will not attend the trial, and the royal house has stated it will refrain from commenting during the proceedings. This decision, while intended to avoid further public spectacle, has also been interpreted by some as a lack of engagement with the gravity of the situation.
The unfolding crisis raises questions about the future of the Norwegian monarchy and its ability to navigate the challenges of modern scrutiny. The combination of serious criminal allegations against a member of the extended royal family and the Crown Princess’s past associations with a notorious figure has shaken public confidence and prompted a national conversation about the role and accountability of the royal house. The seven-week trial of Marius Borg Høiby will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only in Norway but internationally, as it unfolds alongside the continuing fallout from the Epstein revelations.
The situation is further complicated by the Crown Princess’s ongoing battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition. This health concern has already limited her public engagements and adds another layer of vulnerability to the royal family during this difficult period. The long-term impact of these combined crises on the Norwegian monarchy remains to be seen.
