The rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has begun at Oslo District Court, marking one of the most serious criminal cases linked to the royal household in recent years. The proceedings have drawn widespread attention in Norway and beyond, placing the monarchy under an unusually harsh public spotlight.
Serious Charges and Possible Sentence
Høiby, 29, faces a total of 38 charges, including four counts of rape, alongside allegations of sexual assault, bodily harm, repeated abuse, threats, violation of a restraining order, drug transportation and other offences. Prosecutors have indicated that, if convicted, he could be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison.
Fresh Arrest Ahead of Proceedings
The seven-week trial opened amid renewed controversy after Høiby was placed back in custody shortly before the hearings began, on suspicion of assault, making threats with a knife and breaching a restraining order. As a result, he is attending court from detention, although his defence team has announced plans to appeal the remand decision.
Plea and Court Restrictions
During his court appearance, Høiby pleaded not guilty to all rape charges. He admitted to some lesser offences connected to an incident in Oslo’s Frogner district in August 2024 but denied abusing the woman involved. The court has imposed strict reporting restrictions, including a ban on publishing images of the defendant and any details that could identify the four women connected to the case.
Royal Family Keeps Distance
The Norwegian royal family has chosen not to attend the trial, a decision analysts say is not unexpected but one that reinforces the sense of isolation surrounding Høiby. Although he is closely connected to the royal household, he is not an official member of the royal family.
Epstein Revelations Deepen Pressure
The trial is unfolding alongside growing criticism of Crown Princess Mette-Marit after revelations of her extensive email contact with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosures have led to political calls for full transparency and have already resulted in the loss of a patron role, further testing public confidence in Norway’s monarchy despite its continued broad support, as BBC News Report.
