Norwegian Royal Family Under Scrutiny as Crown Princess's Son Denies Key Rape Allegations in Court
By Gwladys Fouche, Reuters
OSLO, Feb 5 (Reuters) – In a tense courtroom exchange on Thursday, Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, firmly denied ever drugging a woman he is charged with raping. The allegation is a central element in a trial that has gripped the nation and cast a long shadow over the royal household.
Høiby, 29, who became part of the royal family when his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married Haakon in 2001, faces a total of 38 criminal counts. A conviction on the most serious charges, which include four counts of rape, could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
The prosecution zeroed in on a 2018 incident alleged to have occurred in the basement of the Crown Prince's official residence on the outskirts of Oslo. The accuser has testified she is certain she was drugged before the assault.
"Did you dope her down?" prosecutor Sturla Henriksboe asked directly.
"Never," Høiby replied from the defendant's chair, dressed in jeans and a marine blue jumper.
Henriksboe pressed further, asking if Høiby was familiar with drugs like ketamine and whether he could have obtained them. Høiby acknowledged he knew of such substances and conceded he "probably" could have accessed them. The questioning also delved into his phone's search history, which included terms related to rape, which Høiby dismissed as part of "look[ing] at a lot of weird stuff."
When confronted by the alleged victim's lawyer, John Christian Elden, about charges involving victims who were asleep or unconscious, Høiby's response was more equivocal regarding a specific 2018 episode. "I don't remember that episode so I don't know whether there was consent or not," he stated.
Earlier in the week, Høiby pleaded not guilty to the rape and domestic violence charges. He did admit to lesser offenses, including offensive sexual behavior and traffic violations. Under Norway's legal system, he also entered a "partially guilty" plea to charges of aggravated assault and reckless behavior.
Royal Reputation in the Balance
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of declining public confidence in the monarchy, exacerbated by recent revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While polls indicate a majority of Norwegians still support retaining the monarchy, its popularity has taken a measurable hit.
A survey published Wednesday showed 44% of Norwegians now believe Crown Princess Mette-Marit is unfit to become queen, with only 22% deeming her suitable. Another poll found support for the monarchy itself at 54%, a significant drop from historical norms, with 33% now favoring a republic.
Despite the turmoil, the royal family has maintained a public front of normalcy. King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon have continued their official duties, with the King even visiting a hospital on Wednesday. Parliament also reaffirmed its support for the monarchy in a scheduled vote this week.
Voices from the Public
"This is a deeply sad and private tragedy that has become a public spectacle," said Elin Larsen, a political science student from Bergen. "The focus should remain on the serious allegations and the judicial process, not just the royal connection."
"The monarchy's insistence on 'business as usual' while this unfolds is tone-deaf," argued Anders Mikkelsen, a journalist and commentator from Oslo. "The Epstein links, these horrific charges—it reveals a profound disconnect. Their privilege is being shielded by tradition, and it's disgusting."
"The polls are clear: the institution is resilient," noted Sigrid Johansen, a retired civil servant. "Norwegians distinguish between an individual's actions and the constitutional monarchy. This is a test, but the system is built to withstand it."
The trial continues, with the eyes of a nation—and the reputation of its most prominent family—hanging in the balance.
(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Mark Heinrich)