The Norwegian royal family is facing an unusually turbulent moment as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son prepares to go on trial this week on multiple criminal charges, including rape, just as recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents have revived the investigation into the princess’s previous contact with him.
The defendant, Marius Borg Høiby, will appear in Oslo District Court on Tuesday after charges were filed 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 accusations mounted, although he was not held in custody while prosecutors built their case.
Prosecutors accuse Høiby of committing multiple sexual assaults over a period of several years and of violent and threatening behavior toward former partners. The alleged incidents last from 2018 to the end of 2024 and include allegations of violating a restraining order.
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Norway’s Marius Borg Hoiby and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Oslo, June 16, 2022. (Lise Aserud/NTB via AP)
If convicted, the 29-year-old could face a prison sentence of up to ten years. The legal proceedings are expected to last until mid-March.
After the indictment, lawyer Petar Sekulic said his client denies all allegations of sexual abuse and disputes most charges related to violence.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visits the International Library Of Fashion in Stasjonsmestesterbygningen in Oslo on January 24, 2025. (Rune Hellestad/Corbis/Getty Images)
The case has proven embarrassing for a monarchy that typically enjoys strong public support in Norway and attracts sustained media attention both at home and abroad.
That attention further intensified last week with the release of a new series of records related to Epstein. The documents contain hundreds of references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has previously acknowledged and regretted her contact 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 December 10, 2024 in Oslo, Norway. (According to Ole Hagen/Getty Images)
The records, including email correspondence, show that Mette-Marit spent several days in Epstein’s Palm Beach, Florida, property in early 2013 – a visit the royal household said was arranged through a mutual friend, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
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In comments to The Associated Press, Mette-Marit said she had not adequately investigated Epstein’s background at the time and expressed regret about the association, calling it an embarrassing lapse in judgment. She also said she deeply sympathizes with the victims of Epstein’s abuse.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
