Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Faces Trial for Rape and Other Charges
The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, is set to face trial on multiple charges, including rape. This high-profile case has raised significant concerns within the royal family and garnered public attention.
Marius Borg Høiby’s Charges
Høiby will stand trial in the Oslo district court, commencing Tuesday. He was indicted in August after a comprehensive investigation. The indictment specifies 38 charges, including:
- Rape
- Abuse within a close relationship
- Acts of violence
- Transportation of 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) of marijuana
- Making death threats
- Traffic violations
If convicted, the 29-year-old could face a maximum of 10 years in prison, with the trial expected to last until mid-March.
Details of the Allegations
The legal proceedings primarily revolve around four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024. Additional accusations include violence and threats directed at a former partner from summer 2022 to fall 2023, along with acts of violence against a subsequent partner. Høiby has persisted without incarceration while awaiting trial.
Defense and Royal Family’s Stance
Defense attorney Petar Sekulic has stated that Høiby denies all allegations of sexual abuse and most charges involving violence. He assured that Høiby intends to provide a thorough explanation during the trial.
Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby’s stepfather, publicly affirmed that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit will attend the trial. He emphasized that Høiby, as a private citizen, shares the same rights and responsibilities as any other Norwegian citizen.
Impact on The Royal Family
The ongoing case has cast a shadow over the Norwegian royal family’s reputation. Tove Taalesen, a royal expert, commented on the public’s mixed sentiments regarding the royal family. While there is a general sense of loyalty to figures like King Harald and Queen Sonja, the Høiby case has indeed been troubling for many Norwegians.
Mette-Marit’s Previous Controversies
Adding to the royal family’s challenges, recent revelations from the Epstein files have spotlighted Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Documents indicate she had borrowed a property from the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in early 2013. Mette-Marit has since expressed regret for her past associations, stating the following:
“I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly. I deeply regret this and it is a responsibility I must bear.”
Her regret also extends to expressing solidarity with Epstein’s victims, acknowledging that her past interactions reflect poor judgment.
Future Implications for the Royal Family
This trial, coupled with other controversies surrounding the royal family, could have lasting implications. As public sentiment remains relatively sympathetic towards Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the outcome of Høiby’s trial may influence the royal family’s future standing in Norway.
