The Oslo District Court today opened the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, in what is being described as the nation’s most significant legal case in decades. Høiby faces a staggering 38 charges, including four counts of rape, as well as allegations of assault, drug transportation, and repeated abuse of domestic partners.
🔴 Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces 38 charges, including rape, assault, domestic abuse
Read the full story below 🖇️https://t.co/siHtXOyRbl pic.twitter.com/xBZ8LQKZGb
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) February 2, 2026
Legal Proceedings, and Detention
Following a fresh arrest on the eve of the trial for suspected assault and violation of a restraining order, Høiby has been placed on remand for four weeks. He began the seven-week trial in custody in Courtroom 250, where heavy restrictions are in place, including a ban on photography and the protection of the identities of the four complainants.
The prosecution’s case includes:
- Four counts of rape: Allegations involving sexual intercourse or assault of unconscious or incapacitated women between 2018 and 2024.
- Six counts of sexually offensive conduct: Including the unauthorized filming of victims.
- Domestic Violence: Repeated abuse of current or former partners involving threats and physical violence.
- Narcotics: Transporting 3.5kg of marijuana.
Høiby’s defense team has stated he denies the most serious charges of sexual abuse and violence, though he has previously admitted to physical abuse and property damage following his initial arrest. He is expected to provide his first testimony on Wednesday.
Royal Family Scrutiny, and Epstein Links
The trial coincides with a separate, growing scandal involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice include over 900 emails detailing extensive contact between the future Queen and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Crown Princess has admitted to “poor judgment,” but the fallout has been immediate. The Sex and Society foundation has officially withdrawn her patronage for its annual “Shameless Prize,” stating the revelations are incompatible with their organizational values.
Political, and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has urged the Crown Princess to be transparent about the extent of her contacts with Epstein. While the Norwegian monarchy has historically enjoyed high approval ratings (approximately 73%), Republican leaders have cited the current crisis as evidence of a failing institution.
You May Like To Read: President Trump and PM Modi Announce Historic Trade Deal
“The Norwegian public is shocked and disappointed,” says Caroline Vagle, a prominent royal expert. “The only right course of action now is to put all the cards on the table.”
King Harald V and Queen Sonja are not attending the trial and are scheduled to depart for the Winter Olympics in Italy later this week. Although Høiby is a close member of the royal household, he holds no official title or public role. If convicted on all counts, he faces a potential sentence of at least 10 years in prison.
Check out our latest video:
