Marius Borg Høiby Commences Trial Amidst Epstein Revelations for Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, commenced his trial in early February in the Oslo district court, facing 38 charges. These include multiple counts of rape, assault, drug offenses, and violations of restraining orders. The trial began shortly after Høiby's arrest on new allegations and amidst public scrutiny surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, as detailed in recently unsealed U.S. justice department documents.
Trial Commencement and Allegations
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, began his seven-week trial on Tuesday, February 3. He faces a total of 38 counts, with allegations dating back to 2018. The charges include:
- Four alleged rapes, reported to have occurred between 2018 and November 2024. Some allegations include incidents where victims were reportedly sleeping or incapacitated, with some alleged acts filmed.
- Abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, spanning from mid-2022 to late 2023.
- Two alleged acts of violence against a subsequent partner.
- Threats to kill and threats involving a knife.
- Vandalism, including a broken chandelier, a damaged phone, and a knife embedded in a wall, observed during an August 2024 incident.
- Violation of restraining orders.
- Drug offenses, including a serious narcotics offense from 2020 involving the transportation of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana.
- Traffic violations, including high-speed motorcycle driving.
- Non-consensual sexual filming or photography.
Høiby was arrested on August 4, 2024, following an alleged assault on his then-girlfriend. Just prior to his trial, he was arrested again on Sunday, facing new charges including assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. Authorities requested his detention for up to four weeks, citing a risk of reoffending, which was granted by the Oslo court.
Pleas and Testimony
During the trial's opening, Høiby pleaded not guilty to the four counts of rape, non-consensual sexual filming, and abuse in close relationships. He denied most of the violence-related charges. However, he admitted culpability for some lesser charges, including several driving offenses, an aggravated drug offense related to the marijuana transport (stating he did not profit financially), and breaking a restraining order. He also accepted partial guilt for bodily harm, gross bodily harm, and threats.
Høiby testified that his life was characterized by partying, attributing it to an "extreme need for validation."
He referred to himself as "the son of Mummy," which he linked to "a lot of sex, a lot of alcohol," and some drug use.
He denied that any videos in his possession depicted acts of rape. The first woman alleging rape testified that she believed she was drugged during an after-party in December 2018.
Prosecutors indicated that a conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years, with some reports suggesting potential sentences ranging up to 16 years. The trial is scheduled to conclude between March 13 and March 19.
The Royal Family's Stance
Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. He does not hold a royal title, performs no official duties, and is not in the line of succession. He is financially supported by the Crown Prince couple.
The Norwegian Royal House confirmed that neither Crown Prince Haakon nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit plans to attend the court proceedings. Crown Prince Haakon issued a statement clarifying:
"Høiby is not a member of the Royal House of Norway and is an autonomous individual, subject to the same legal responsibilities and rights as any other Norwegian citizen."
He also stated that the family cares for Høiby and that he remains an important member of their family. The Royal House will not comment further during the trial. King Harald previously stated that the matter is "in the hands of the court."
Epstein Revelations and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Apology
The trial coincides with renewed public scrutiny regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly unsealed U.S. justice department files, released prior to the trial, contained nearly 1,000 mentions of the Crown Princess and detailed numerous email exchanges between her and Epstein from 2011 to 2014.
The files indicate frequent communication, with Mette-Marit using phrases such as "you tickle my brain," "soft hearted," and "such a sweetheart." In 2012, she described Epstein as "very charming" and inquired if it was "inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15 yr old sons wallpaper?" Other exchanges included discussions about Epstein's "wife hunt" in Paris, to which Mette-Marit reportedly responded that the city was "good for adultery" and "Scandis (are) better wife material." She also thanked Epstein for flowers in one email, signing off with "Love, Mm."
The documents suggest plans for meetings and indicate that Mette-Marit stayed at Epstein's Palm Beach, Florida, residence for four days in 2013 when he was not present, an arrangement confirmed by the royal house to have been made through a mutual friend. The files also included a 2011 email where she informed Epstein she had "Googled" him, adding "it didn’t look too good" along with a smiling emoji.
On the Saturday following the document release, Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a statement acknowledging the contact:
"I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing."
She expressed "deep sympathy and solidarity" with Epstein’s victims and accepted responsibility for "not having checked Epstein’s background more closely and not understanding quickly enough what kind of person he was." The royal palace stated that Mette-Marit ended written contact with Epstein in 2014 after she felt he was "trying to use his relationship with the crown princess as leverage with other people." Mette-Marit has also postponed an international trip amidst the scrutiny.
It is noted that inclusion in the unsealed files does not imply wrongdoing.
Broader Challenges for the Norwegian Monarchy
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby and the revelations concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein occur during a period of multiple challenges for the Norwegian royal family. Public opinion polls have indicated a decline in support for the monarchy, with recent figures showing 61% support compared to 72% last year, and an increase to 27% advocating for a republic.
Other recent challenges include King Harald, Europe's oldest reigning monarch at 88, reducing his official engagements in 2024 following hospitalization and the insertion of a pacemaker. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and requires a lung transplant. Additionally, Crown Prince Haakon's sister, Princess Märtha Louise, relinquished official royal duties in 2022, and her business ventures and comments have drawn public attention.