Listen to the article
Royal Scandal Deepens as Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Faces Trial Amid Epstein Document Release
Norway’s royal family faces unprecedented turmoil this week as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, prepares to stand trial on serious criminal charges including rape, just as newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents have reignited scrutiny of the princess’s past connections to the disgraced financier.
Høiby, 29, is scheduled to appear in Oslo district court on Tuesday to face multiple charges following an extensive investigation by Norwegian authorities. The indictment, handed down last summer, details allegations of sexual assault spanning from 2018 through late 2024, alongside accusations of violent and threatening behavior toward former partners and violations of a restraining order.
If convicted, Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison. The trial is expected to continue until mid-March, with proceedings drawing significant media attention both domestically and internationally.
Through his attorney Petar Sekulic, Høiby has categorically denied all allegations of sexual abuse and disputes most charges related to violent behavior. It’s worth noting that Høiby holds no official role in the royal household, despite being the son of the Crown Princess.
The timing of the trial has proven particularly problematic for the Norwegian monarchy, as it coincides with the release of a substantial new collection of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. These records contain hundreds of references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, including details about her previously acknowledged contact with Epstein.
The newly released records reveal that Mette-Marit stayed for several days in early 2013 at Epstein’s Palm Beach, Florida property. According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the royal household has stated this visit was arranged through a mutual acquaintance.
In statements to The Associated Press, Mette-Marit expressed regret over her association with Epstein, describing it as an embarrassing lapse in judgment. She acknowledged failing to properly investigate Epstein’s background at the time and expressed deep sympathy for the victims of his abuse.
The dual scandals present a significant challenge for Norway’s royal family, which has traditionally enjoyed strong public support. The monarchy, led by King Harald V, has been a stabilizing force in Norwegian society, with approval ratings consistently above 80 percent in recent decades.
Royal watchers note that this convergence of controversies represents an unusual moment for European royalty, where private affairs and public duties increasingly intersect in the age of social media and heightened scrutiny. Unlike some European monarchies that have weathered numerous scandals, Norway’s royal family has largely maintained a reputation for propriety and discretion.
The Norwegian royal court has maintained a measured approach to both situations, neither dismissing the seriousness of the allegations against Høiby nor attempting to distance the Crown Princess from her past Epstein connections. This transparency stands in contrast to how some other royal households have handled similar controversies.
For Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who will one day become queen alongside her husband Crown Prince Haakon, the dual scandals present both personal and institutional challenges. Having already navigated significant public scrutiny when she entered royal life as a single mother with a controversial past, Mette-Marit has since built considerable goodwill through her charitable work and openness about her health struggles.
As the trial proceeds, Norwegian media and the public will be watching closely to see how the royal family navigates this difficult period, and whether these scandals might affect the long-term standing of a monarchy that has been a cornerstone of Norwegian national identity since the country gained independence in 1905.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
13 Comments
The alleged crimes are truly horrific, and the Epstein connection only adds to the gravity of the situation. I’ll be following this trial with great interest to see how it plays out and what it might reveal about potential elite-level abuses.
This is a highly sensitive and complex case that will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for the Norwegian royal family. I hope the judicial process is carried out with the utmost care and impartiality.
Absolutely. The stakes are high, and the public will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served, regardless of the defendant’s background.
The charges against the crown princess’s son are deeply troubling, and the Epstein connection only adds to the gravity of the situation. I’ll be following this trial closely to see how it unfolds and what it might reveal about potential abuses of power.
It’s unfortunate to see the Norwegian royal family embroiled in such a high-profile scandal. I hope the trial is conducted thoroughly and impartially, and that the truth comes to light, regardless of the defendant’s status.
Agreed. This case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the Norwegian monarchy and the public’s trust in its institutions.
The Epstein connection is certainly intriguing and raises further questions about potential elite-level abuses of power. I’m curious to see if any additional details emerge linking the crown princess’s son to Epstein’s network.
Yes, the Epstein links add an even more troubling dimension to this case. We’ll have to wait and see what, if any, evidence is presented regarding those alleged connections.
This is certainly a high-profile and disturbing case involving the Norwegian royal family. The charges against the crown princess’s son are serious, and it’s concerning to see his alleged connections to the Epstein scandal. I’ll be following this trial closely to see how it unfolds.
Agreed, this case raises a lot of troubling questions. The royal family will be under intense scrutiny throughout the proceedings.
As a Norwegian citizen, I’m deeply disturbed by these allegations against the crown princess’s son. The royal family’s reputation is on the line, and I hope the trial is handled with the utmost transparency and fairness.
The allegations of sexual assault and violent behavior are extremely worrying. I hope the truth will come to light during the trial and justice will be served, regardless of the defendant’s royal status.
Absolutely. No one should be above the law, even members of the royal family. This will be a crucial test of Norway’s judicial system.