The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, commenced on Tuesday with allegations that include rape, marking the beginning of weeks of legal proceedings that have overshadowed the royal family’s reputation.
Høiby, 29, is the firstborn of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous union and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, although he holds no royal title or official responsibilities. His legal troubles began in 2024 with multiple arrests on various charges.
Taking his place in the Oslo district court on Tuesday morning, Høiby faces a total of 38 charges, including rape, domestic abuse against a former partner, violent acts against another, and the transportation of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Other accusations involve making death threats and traffic violations.
Prosecutors have highlighted that Høiby could potentially receive a 10-year prison sentence if found guilty, with seven alleged victims slated to provide testimony during the trial. The judge, acknowledging global interest in the case, delivered instructions in English, cautioning against recording or photography inside the courtroom and informing that some witness testimonies would be confidential.
Høiby’s defense team has vehemently refuted the charges of sexual misconduct and most of the violence-related accusations. The accused had been at liberty until recent events led to his arrest on new allegations of assault, knife threats, and breaching a restraining order, prompting his detention for up to four weeks following a court ruling.
Despite the ongoing trial, both Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have opted not to attend, with the royal household refraining from commenting on the case as it unfolds. The matter has tarnished the image of the royal family, led by King Harald, despite their widespread popularity in Norway.
The trial coincides with renewed attention on Mette-Marit’s prior connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as highlighted by the recent release of additional documents from the Epstein files. These documents reportedly contain numerous references to the crown princess, who had previously expressed regret over her interactions with Epstein in 2019.