The eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, has been arrested just days before his trial on multiple charges, including rape, is set to begin. The arrest, which took place on Sunday evening, has added further embarrassment to the Norwegian royal family. According to a police statement released on Monday, Høiby is accused of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. Authorities have requested a four-week detention, citing the risk of reoffending.
Høiby’s legal troubles have been a source of public scrutiny since 2024, when he was repeatedly arrested on various allegations. Despite these incidents, he had remained free pending trial until his recent arrest. The trial, scheduled to commence on Tuesday at the Oslo District Court, involves a staggering 38 counts, including rape, domestic abuse, and drug trafficking.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment against Høiby paints a troubling picture, with charges spanning several years. It includes four alleged rapes between 2018 and November 2024, as well as accusations of violence and threats against a former partner from the summer of 2022 to the autumn of 2023. Additionally, Høiby faces charges of violence against another partner and violations of a restraining order. His defense team has asserted that he “denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.”
Høiby, who is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, holds no royal title or official duties. The royal family has distanced itself from the case, with Crown Prince Haakon stating last week that they do not plan to attend the court proceedings. He emphasized that Høiby is not part of the royal house and is subject to the same legal responsibilities as any other Norwegian citizen.
Royal Family Under Scrutiny
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby comes at a time when the Norwegian royal family is already facing increased scrutiny. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been in the spotlight following the release of documents related to her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, which include email exchanges, reveal that Mette-Marit borrowed a property from Epstein in Palm Beach, Florida, in early 2013. The royal house confirmed that this arrangement was made through a mutual friend.
In a statement, Mette-Marit expressed regret for her association with Epstein, acknowledging that she “must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly, and for not realising sooner what kind of person he was.” She added, “I deeply regret this, and it is a responsibility I must bear. I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all.”
“I deeply regret this, and it is a responsibility I must bear. I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all,” said Mette-Marit.
Challenges for the Norwegian Royals
The Høiby trial and Mette-Marit’s past with Epstein are not the only issues casting a shadow over the Norwegian royal family. Princess Märtha Louise, sister of Crown Prince Haakon, has faced criticism for her business ventures. In 2024, she married Durek Verrett, an American self-proclaimed shaman, which also attracted media attention.
Despite these challenges, the royal family remains popular in Norway. However, the ongoing legal battles and public controversies have undoubtedly affected their public image. As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how these events will impact the royal family’s standing in the eyes of the Norwegian public.
As the trial progresses, the royal family and the nation will be watching closely to see how these legal proceedings unfold and what implications they may have for the future of Norway’s monarchy.
