Royal Scandal Deepens as Crown Princess's Son Faces Trial on Multiple Rape and Assault Charges
OSLO — The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, opened in Oslo District Court on Tuesday, marking a dramatic chapter in a scandal that has cast a long shadow over Norway's royal family. Høiby, 29, faces 38 charges including the alleged rape of four women while they were incapacitated, multiple assaults on former girlfriends, drug offenses, and threats made with a knife—some allegations dating back to 2018.
The defendant, who was remanded in custody for four weeks on Monday after police cited a "risk of reoffending," could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted on the most serious counts. He has admitted to some lesser charges but denies the rape allegations.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo emphasized to media that Høiby would receive no special treatment due to his royal connections. "The law applies equally to everyone," Henriksbo stated.
The case unraveled after Høiby's arrest in August 2024 on suspicion of assaulting his then-girlfriend. Subsequent police investigations uncovered a pattern of alleged violent behavior spanning years, including accusations that he filmed some of the assaults. Among the accusers is former girlfriend and influencer Nora Haukland, who has publicly detailed alleged physical abuse during their relationship.
The trial coincides with renewed scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette-Marit's own associations, following the unsealing of U.S. court documents linking her to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The princess, who battles a chronic lung disease, has not commented publicly on her son's case and will not attend court proceedings.
Observers note the case presents one of the most severe reputational challenges to the modern Norwegian monarchy, though public support for the institution remains robust, anchored by the enduring popularity of King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
The trial is scheduled to run through March 19, with a verdict expected weeks after its conclusion.
Public Reaction
"This isn't just a family tragedy—it's a systemic failure," says Elin Larsen, a social worker from Bergen. "When privilege insulates someone from accountability for so long, it tells every victim that their suffering is secondary. The palace's silence feels complicit."
Anders Mikkelsen, a historian specializing in modern European monarchies, offers a calmer perspective: "While deeply damaging, this case reflects an individual's actions, not the institution's values. The Norwegian royal family has built up significant goodwill over decades, which provides a buffer, but how they handle the aftermath will be critical."
Kari Nilsen, a retail manager in Oslo, expresses conflicted emotions: "My heart breaks for the victims, and for the Crown Princess who is also unwell. But due process must run its course. We shouldn't condemn the entire family for one member's alleged crimes."
Thomas Faber, a political commentator, is more pointed: "The 'equal treatment' claim is laughable. How many ordinary Norwegians would have allegations from 2018 only now reach trial? This reeks of protection until the evidence became impossible to ignore. The monarchy's modern relevance hinges on moral authority—this saga has severely depleted it."