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Updated 03 February 2026 - Oslo District Court proceedings begin for Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as she faces scrutiny over ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trial Opens for Crown Princess's Son
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stood trial in Oslo on Tuesday, facing 38 charges including four counts of rape. The case, described as one of the most high-profile in Norway in years, has drawn intense public attention amid revelations about the royal family's connections to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Høiby, dressed in a brown sweater and beige trousers, pleaded not guilty to the rape allegations during the opening session. He partially admitted to charges related to a woman in Oslo's Frogner district in August 2024, acknowledging bodily harm but denying abuse. Other admitted offenses include violating a restraining order, drug possession, and speeding.
Courtroom Restrictions and Public Interest
Strict measures are in place for the seven-week trial, including a ban on photographs of the defendant inside or outside the courtroom. Several women identified as victims in the case sat opposite Høiby, with the judge emphasizing anonymity protections for all involved.
The Norwegian royal family will not attend the proceedings in Courtroom 250, where media and public interest has surged. King Harald V and Queen Sonja are scheduled to attend the Winter Olympics in Italy later this week, further isolating Høiby, who is not an official member of the royal family despite his close ties.
Recent Arrest and Defense Strategy
On the eve of the trial, Høiby was detained again on suspicion of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order-circumstances mirroring his initial arrest. Police have remanded him for four weeks, though his defense team plans to appeal the decision.
If convicted, Høiby could face a minimum of 10 years in prison. He is expected to testify for the first time on Wednesday.
Crown Princess Under Fire Over Epstein Ties
While Høiby's trial dominates headlines, Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces growing criticism after the U.S. Department of Justice released over 900 emails showing extensive communication with Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence, described as informal and unguarded, has raised questions about her judgment.
The princess admitted to "poor judgment" but denied wrongdoing. However, the fallout has already begun: the Sex and Society foundation, which advocates for sexual and reproductive rights, removed her as patron of its annual Shameless Prize, citing incompatibility with its values.
"The Norwegian public is shocked and disappointed. The only right course of action now is to put all the cards on the table."
Caroline Vagle, royal expert for See and Hear magazine
Royal Family's Reputation at Stake
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre urged Mette-Marit to "explain the extent of the contacts" with Epstein. Historian and royal correspondent Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen criticized the royal court for failing to intervene, arguing the scandal damages Norway's international standing.
Despite the controversy, the Norwegian monarchy remains popular, with a recent Norstat poll showing 73% support. However, republican voices, such as Green Party leader Arild Hermstad, argue the scandal exposes systemic flaws in the monarchy.
"It really puts not only the royal family in a big squeeze, but also Norway itself," Hermstad told the BBC. "At least she has to be very honest and frank."
Coincidentally, Norwegian lawmakers voted Tuesday on a symbolic republican motion, though it is not expected to gain traction. The trial and Epstein revelations continue to overshadow the royal family as proceedings unfold.
