BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The son of Norway’s crown princess pleaded not guilty Tuesday as he went on trial in Oslo on multiple criminal charges, including rape, opening a closely watched case that has drawn intense public and international scrutiny and placed renewed strain on the royal family’s public standing.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, the eldest son of Crown Princes Mette-Marit from a relationship predating her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, appeared before the Oslo District Court to face a sweeping indictment that prosecutors say could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years if he is convicted. Høiby holds no royal title and has no official role within the monarchy.
During the opening session, Høiby stood in court for roughly 24 minutes as prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø methodically read out 38 separate charges. After each of the most serious allegations, including four counts of rape, the judge asked Høiby how he pleaded. He responded “no” each time, denying the charges in a subdued voice.
The indictment spans several years and includes allegations of abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another woman, death threats, violations of restraining orders, and traffic offenses. Prosecutors have also charged Høiby with transporting approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, an offense they say involved both possession and delivery of large quantities of drugs.
Høiby admitted guilt to several driving violations, to an aggravated drugs offense, and to breaching a restraining order. He pleaded “partly” guilty to charges involving threats and aggravated assault, according to court officials. Wearing glasses, a brown sweater and beige trousers, he spoke quietly throughout the hearing and frequently consulted with his defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic. At one point, a court official adjusted the microphone to ensure his responses could be heard.
Prosecutors told the court that seven alleged victims are expected to testify during the trial, which is scheduled to run until March 19. Henriksbø emphasized that Høiby’s family connections would not affect the case.
“There is equality before the law,” the prosecutor said. “The defendant is the son of the crown princess. He is part of the royal family. He shall nevertheless be treated in the same way as any other person charged with the same offenses.”
Reflecting widespread interest beyond Norway, Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad addressed observers in English at the start of proceedings, warning that photography, video recording and audio recording inside the courtroom were strictly prohibited. He also noted that portions of the testimony, particularly from alleged victims, would be heard behind closed doors to protect their privacy.
The investigation began in 2024 after police were called to an apartment in Oslo’s affluent Frogner neighborhood following reports of a violent incident. Høiby was arrested at the time and later released, but the case broadened significantly as additional women came forward with allegations.
Prosecutors say the core of the indictment centers on four alleged rapes said to have occurred between 2018 and November 2024, as well as violence and threats directed at a former partner between the summer of 2022 and the fall of 2023. The charges also include two alleged violent incidents involving a subsequent partner and repeated violations of court-ordered restraining measures.
In January, prosecutors expanded the case to include six additional offenses, among them drug-related charges and further breaches of restraining orders. Høiby had remained free pending trial until Sunday, when police announced that he had been arrested again over new allegations involving assault, threats with a knife and another restraining order violation.
On Monday, the Oslo court approved a police request to keep Høiby in custody for up to four weeks, citing concerns that he could reoffend if released. Defense lawyer Sekulic said the arrest stemmed from what he described as an “incident” involving another person on Sunday. He declined to provide details but said his client disputes both the detention and the underlying allegations. Sekulic added that the defense is considering an appeal once statements have been taken from those involved.
Crown Prince Haakon said last week that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit plans to attend the trial and that the royal household will refrain from commenting while proceedings are underway.
The case has posed a serious challenge to the image of Norway’s monarchy, which traditionally enjoys strong public support. King Harald, 88, remains widely respected, but the trial has reopened debate about the pressures facing the modern royal family.
The proceedings also coincide with renewed attention on Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past association with financier Jeffrey Epstein, following the recent release of additional documents related to Epstein’s network. Norwegian media reported that the documents included several hundred references to the crown princess and detailed email exchanges from the past. They also showed that she stayed for several days at a property in Palm Beach, Florida, owned by Epstein in 2013, a visit arranged through a mutual acquaintance and later confirmed by the royal household.
In a statement, Mette-Marit said she regretted the contact and acknowledged failing to more thoroughly investigate Epstein’s background at the time. “I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all,” she said. “It is simply embarrassing.”
As testimony begins and alleged victims prepare to take the stand, the trial of Marius Borg Høiby is expected to remain under intense scrutiny, both for its legal implications and for the broader impact on Norway’s royal family.
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