Norway Royal Family Under Pressure as Crown Princess’s Son Faces Rape Trial
A courtroom in Oslo has become the focus of national and international attention as one of Norway’s most serious criminal trials in years gets underway, involving Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Høiby has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape as prosecutors formally opened a sweeping case that includes a total of 38 criminal charges. These allegations range from rape and sexual assault to domestic abuse, threats, violating restraining orders, drug offences and dangerous driving. He began the trial in custody, after being arrested again just days before proceedings started, this time on suspicion of assault, knife threats and breaching a restraining order.
The charges are severe. Prosecutors allege that several of the rape incidents occurred when the women involved were asleep or otherwise unable to consent. Norwegian law treats sexual acts in such circumstances as rape. The court has imposed strict reporting restrictions to protect the identities of the women and photography of the defendant has been banned inside and outside the courtroom.
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Høiby is not a member of the royal family and holds no official role, but his connection to Norway’s future queen places this case in an unusually sensitive position. The royal family has chosen not to attend the trial, a decision that has intensified the sense of isolation surrounding the defendant and heightened public scrutiny.
At the same time, the case is unfolding against a wider crisis for the monarchy. Crown Princess Mette-Marit is facing sharp criticism after newly released US documents revealed extensive past email contact with Jeffrey Epstein. She has publicly admitted to poor judgment and several organisations have already distanced themselves from her. While there is no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing on her part, the timing has placed extraordinary pressure on the royal household.
For many Norwegians, this moment raises difficult questions about trust, accountability and the role of the monarchy in a modern democracy. Opinion polls still show strong overall support for the royal family, but commentators say the damage to its image, both at home and abroad, is real.
The stakes are high. If convicted on the most serious charges, Høiby could face a lengthy prison sentence, potentially more than a decade. The trial is expected to last seven weeks, with testimony from multiple witnesses and the defendant himself.
This is a case that goes far beyond one individual. It tests Norway’s justice system, challenges the resilience of its monarchy and forces a nation to confront uncomfortable issues in full public view.
Stay with us as this trial continues and as Norway navigates the legal and moral questions that will shape its future well beyond the courtroom.
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