Rape Trial Puts Norway’s Royal Family in Unwelcome Public Spotlight
When Marius Borg Høiby steps into courtroom 250 at Oslo District Court on Tuesday, he will face the weight of Norway’s biggest trial in years—all without the moral support of his closest family. His mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, will not be in attendance. Over the next seven weeks, photographs of the 29-year-old will be prohibited, as the court has imposed a ban. However, the world’s press is present in significant numbers, while the royal palace maintains its distance.
Serious Allegations Against Høiby
Høiby faces 38 charges, including:
– Rape of four women
– Assaulting and threatening a girlfriend
– Vandalism involving her property
– Drug-related offenses
– Driving misdemeanors
If convicted, he could serve over 10 years in prison.
The palace clarifies that Marius Borg Høiby is not a public figure and only appears with the royal family on select occasions. However, he is deeply considered family by Crown Prince Haakon, who regards him as a son, and by King Harald V, who has played a grandparental role throughout Høiby’s life.
Ulf Andre Andersen, who initially caught the public’s attention on this story in Se og Hør, states, It’s a very dangerous moment, because the royal family should be role models. Reports confirm that Høiby has acknowledged some lesser offenses, admitting to acts of physical abuse and vandalism. The indictment outlines disturbing behaviors, such as tearing down fixtures and verbally abusing his girlfriend.
Disturbing Timeline of Allegations
The rape charges date back to 2018, occurring at his parents’ official residence on the Skaugum estate. Notably:
– One charge involves intercourse with a woman while she was asleep.
– The remaining incidents occurred during moments of incapacitation, qualifying as rape under Norwegian law.
Among the victims, some are well-known influencers, but most are individuals leading normal lives, now thrust into a harrowing spotlight. Journalist Torgeir Krokfjord, who has written about Høiby’s connections to the drug world, expresses concern for these women as they bear the emotional toll of having their personal experiences scrutinized publicly.
Royal Family’s Response
Ahead of the trial, Crown Prince Haakon conveyed heartfelt messages to the women involved, expressing love and concern for their well-being. We care about them, he emphasized, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they are facing.
While the royal couple, King Harald and Queen Sonja, both aged 88, will refrain from attending the trial due to prior commitments to the Winter Olympics in Italy, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is dealing with her own health challenges related to pulmonary fibrosis, for which she is awaiting a lung transplant. Her deteriorating condition casts a shadow over the royal family, as the focus remains on their collective well-being.
In a poignant reflection shared during a documentary on NRK, Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed her distress over criticism regarding her son. It’s difficult being harshly judged in a situation where we sought professional help and did our best.
Repercussions for the Monarchy
Norway’s royal house, traditionally characterized by its openness, is experiencing scrutiny amid a series of scandals. Tove Taalesen, a royal correspondent for Nettavisen, noted that the Crown Prince may have erred by not clearly defining Høiby’s role within the family following his marriage to Mette-Marit. This uncertainty has created a complex dynamic—Høiby is integral to the family, yet lacks a formal title or purpose.
Moreover, the royal family has faced backlash following the wedding of Crown Prince Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, who relinquished her title for commercial reasons amidst controversies involving her American fiancé, shaman Durek Verrett. The royal family’s recent history has increasingly entered public discourse, especially with the troubling revelations from documents linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein, which mentioned Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Future of the Monarchy
Despite the turmoil, the monarchy maintains a high level of respect in Norway, buoyed by the popularity of King Harald V. A recent poll showed 73% public support for the royal family, indicating that many Norwegians are satisfied to separate the ongoing trial from their overall view of the institution.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes will be on Marius Borg Høiby, and the royal family recognizes that they cannot afford to be complacent. Notably, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, aged 22 and next in line to the throne, has been making appearances, generating speculation about the timing relative to the trial. In a coincidence that raises eyebrows, the parliamentary vote on the monarchy is also scheduled for the same day the trial commences.
The coming weeks will test the resilience and relevance of Norway’s royal family against a backdrop of unprecedented public scrutiny.