The problem of the Norwegian royal family as the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit is accused of rape
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Norway’s royal family is facing unusual turmoil as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son prepares to stand trial this week on multiple charges, including rape, even as newly released documents from Jeffrey Epstein have renewed scrutiny of the princess’ past contacts with him.
The defendant, Marius Borg Høiby, is expected to appear in Oslo district court on Tuesday following his indictment last summer after a lengthy investigation. Høiby is not part of the royal family and has no official role.
Authorities arrested Høiby several times in 2024 as suspicions grew, although he was not taken into custody while prosecutors built their case.
Prosecutors accuse Høiby of sexually abusing her multiple times over a period of several years and engaging in violent and threatening behavior towards ex-partners. The alleged incidents span from 2018 to the end of 2024 and include alleged violations of the restraining order.
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Marius Borg Hoiby of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Oslo, June 16, 2022. (Lise Aserud/NTB via AP)
If convicted, the 29-year-old suspect could face up to ten years in prison. The trial is expected to continue in mid-March.
After the indictment, defense attorney Petar Sekulic said his client denied all allegations of sexual assault and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to violence.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visits the International Library Of Fashion at Stasjonsmesterbygningen on Jan. 24, 2025 in Oslo. (Rune Hellestad/Corbis/Getty Images)
The case proved to be an embarrassment to the monarchy, which enjoys strong public support in Norway, attracting media attention at home and abroad.
That scrutiny intensified last week with the release of a new record linked to Epstein. The documents include hundreds of references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has previously admitted and regretted her relationship with Epstein.
Crown Prince Hakon Magnus and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend the Save the Children Peace Prize Party at the Nobel Peace Center on Dec. 10, 2024 in Oslo, Norway. (Per Ole Hagen/Getty Images)
The records, which include e-mail correspondence, show that Mette-Marit stayed for several days in early 2013 in Palm Beach, Florida, at Epstein’s property – a visit to the royal family that was arranged through a mutual friend, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
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Commenting on the Associated Press, Mette-Marit said she failed to adequately investigate Epstein’s background at the time and expressed remorse for the association, calling it a shameful lapse in judgment. He also said that he sympathized with the victims of Epstein’s abuse.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
