Norway's Royal Family Under Spotlight Amid High-Profile Rape Trial

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:06:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, begins amidst serious allegations, raising concerns for Norway's royal family.

Marius Borg Høiby, accused of multiple serious offenses including the rape of four women and domestic violence, begins trial in Oslo, which has drawn intense scrutiny on the Norwegian royal family. With significant family members absent from the courtroom and a public divided, the case has sparked discussions on royal responsibility and accountability.

When Marius Borg Høiby stands up in room 250 at Oslo district court on Tuesday, at the start of Norway's biggest trial in years, he will have no support from his closest relatives. His mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit will not be there, nor will the man she married when her son was four - the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon.

For the next seven weeks, there will be no pictures of the blond 29-year-old either inside the court or outside - the court has banned them - but the world's press is here in numbers while the palace keeps well away.

Høiby is facing 38 charges, including the rape of four women, as well as charges of assault and drug offenses. Should he be convicted, he could face over 10 years in prison.

The palace stresses that Marius Borg Høiby is not a public figure, and although he is considered a close family member, he will be tried independently of the royal family. Yet this trial has become a pivotal moment for Norway's monarchy.

Described by observers as the biggest scandal in Norwegian royal history, Marius has admitted some lesser charges but denies most of the serious allegations against him. His defense lawyer emphasized his serious approach to the accusations even as he maintains that he has done no wrong in many instances, particularly regarding sexual abuse claims.

The allegations, stemming from incidents dating back to 2018, involve serious crimes, including assaults that left women incapacitated. This trial will examine testimonies from various women, shedding light on the troubling allegations surrounding Høiby.

Crown Prince Haakon made an emotional statement acknowledging love for Høiby while also expressing support for the women involved, highlighting the complexities surrounding this high-profile case that has captured national and international attention.

While the incident has raised questions about royal responsibilities, the monarchy still enjoys considerable public support, with 73% loyalty according to a recent poll. Nevertheless, as the trial unfolds, royal watchers and citizens alike are keenly observing the ramifications it may have on the royal family's public perception.

At the same time, they grapple with the delicate balance of the crown’s legacy amid scandal, underscoring the evolving relationship between the royal family and the Norwegian public that has traditionally admired their openness.