Norwegian Royal Family Under Dual Scrutiny: Crown Princess's Son Faces New Assault Charges as Epstein Links Resurface
Oslo, Norway — A fresh wave of legal turmoil has engulfed the Norwegian royal family as Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on new criminal charges just 48 hours before his high-profile trial on rape and drug offenses was set to begin. The arrest, confirmed by Oslo police on Monday, adds another layer of complexity to a case that has tested the monarchy's carefully maintained public image.
Høiby, 28, was taken into custody Sunday evening on allegations of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. Prosecutors have requested a four-week detention period, citing a significant risk of reoffending. His defense team was not immediately available for comment.
The timing is acutely sensitive. Høiby was already scheduled to stand trial Tuesday at the Oslo District Court on a sweeping 38-count indictment. The charges span several years and include multiple counts of rape, domestic abuse against two former partners, making death threats, and the transportation of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. The new arrest suggests an escalation of behavior even as the judicial process was underway.
While Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, the palace has consistently emphasized his status as a private citizen without royal title or duties. In a statement last week, Crown Prince Haakon confirmed neither he nor the Crown Princess would attend the court proceedings, asserting confidence in a fair trial while distancing the institution from Høiby's personal legal battles.
The trial commences amid a separate storm for the Crown Princess herself. Recently unsealed documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case reveal hundreds of mentions of Mette-Marit, detailing email exchanges and confirming she borrowed a Palm Beach property from the convicted sex offender in early 2013. In a statement released by the royal household, the Crown Princess expressed deep regret: "I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein's background more thoroughly... I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing." She extended her sympathy to Epstein's victims.
The confluence of events—a son facing grave criminal charges and a mother confronting past associations with a notorious figure—presents an unprecedented public relations challenge for one of Europe's most stable and popular monarchies. Analysts note the royal family's reputation, built on modernity and accessibility, is facing one of its most severe tests in recent memory.
Public Reaction
Lars Johansen, Political Commentator in Oslo: "This is a perfect storm for the monarchy. The institution relies on dignity and moral authority. While Høiby is not a royal, the optics of such serious, repeated allegations within the immediate family, combined with the Epstein revelations, are deeply damaging. The palace's strategy of silence is being stretched to its limit."
Kari Nilsen, Teacher from Bergen: "My heart breaks for everyone involved, especially the victims who have to relive their trauma through this very public trial. The Crown Princess's apology seems heartfelt, but it's a stark reminder that poor judgment at high levels has real consequences. We must separate the individual's actions from the monarchy as an institution, but it's undeniably a sad chapter."
Erik Søgaard, Editor of a Republican-Leaning Blog: "This is the rotten core of inherited privilege laid bare! A 'private citizen' who just happens to be the Crown Princess's son faces a litany of horrific charges, while his mother was cozying up to a billionaire predator. Their apologies are worthless. This family costs the taxpayer millions, and for what? Scandals and embarrassment. It's time for a serious debate about the relevance of the monarchy in modern Norway."
Ingrid Holm, Royal Historian: "Historically, European royals have navigated family scandals by emphasizing the separation between public duty and private misfortune. The Norwegian palace is attempting this, but the digital age and the gravity of the charges make it far more difficult. The Epstein link is particularly toxic, as it connects a global symbol of abuse of power to the doorstep of the future queen."