Royal Scandal Deepens: Crown Princess's Son Faces Rape Trial as Epstein Files Revisit Palace Ties
OSLO — A high-stakes criminal trial and the ghost of a past scandal have converged to create one of the most severe tests in recent memory for Norway's royal family. Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, entered an Oslo district courtroom this week to face multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and violent conduct spanning several years. The proceedings, expected to last into March, could result in a decade-long prison sentence if he is convicted.
Høiby, who holds no royal title or official role, was indicted last summer following a protracted investigation. Prosecutors allege a pattern of assaults and threatening behavior towards former partners from 2018 through late 2024. His defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, has stated his client "categorically denies" the sexual abuse allegations and contests most violence-related charges.
The trial alone would constitute a major embarrassment for the traditionally revered monarchy. However, its impact has been magnified by the concurrent release of a new batch of court documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files, which include email records, contain hundreds of references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
According to the documents and previous reporting by Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the crown princess stayed for several days in early 2013 at a Palm Beach property owned by Epstein. The palace has maintained the visit was arranged through a mutual friend. In past statements to The Associated Press, Mette-Marit expressed regret, calling the association "an embarrassing lapse in judgment," and stated she had failed to properly scrutinize Epstein's background at the time.
Analysis: The dual crises strike at the core of the monarchy's carefully maintained image of propriety. The trial forces a private family matter into the harsh light of criminal justice, while the Epstein documents revive questions about judgment and association at the highest levels. For an institution that derives its power from public consent and respect, the sustained scrutiny represents a tangible threat to its standing.
Reaction & Commentary:
Henrik Larsen, Political Commentator in Oslo: "This is a perfect storm. The institution survives on dignity and distance. These events breach both, inviting unprecedented public scrutiny into the family's private failings and past associations."
Kari Nilsen, Royal Historian: "History shows the Norwegian monarchy is resilient, but this confluence of legal and reputational challenges is unique. The court's verdict will be crucial, but the court of public opinion may deliver a separate, lasting judgment."
David Chen, Editor at 'Scandinavian Watch' blog: "The palace's narrative of benign ignorance regarding Epstein was always thin. These documents, paired with the son's horrific alleged crimes, expose a shocking pattern of entitlement and poor judgment. It's a disgrace, and people are right to question what this family truly represents."
Solveig Hagen, Oslo Resident: "It's a tragic situation for everyone involved, especially the victims. We must remember to separate the individual's actions from the institution, which still does immense good for our country."