Marius Borg Høiby Faces Oslo Court Amid Rape Allegations
Published 4 February 2026
Highlights
- Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's crown princess, is on trial in Oslo for 38 alleged crimes, including four rapes.
- Høiby denies the charges, claiming he does not remember taking incriminating videos found on his phone.
- The trial has intensified scrutiny on the Norwegian royal family, especially due to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
- The alleged victim testified she was drugged and unconscious during the incident at the Skaugum residence in December 2018.
- Høiby, who has faced media attention since childhood, cited a life of partying and substance use driven by a need for validation.
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Rewritten Article
Marius Borg Høiby Faces Oslo Court Amid Rape Allegations
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is currently on trial in Oslo, facing serious charges including four counts of rape among a total of 38 alleged offenses. The trial has placed the Norwegian royal family under intense scrutiny, particularly due to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's controversial past connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Allegations and Defense
Høiby, 29, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include accusations of sexual assault at the Skaugum residence, the official home of the crown prince and princess. During his testimony, Høiby expressed difficulty in recalling the events, stating he does not remember taking the videos and photos that allegedly show him assaulting a woman. The prosecution argues that the footage, captured in December 2018, depicts the woman unconscious during the incident.
The alleged victim testified that she believed she was drugged, describing her experience as a "betrayal and shock" upon seeing the footage years later. She recounted having consensual sex with Høiby earlier in the evening but had no memory of the alleged assault.
Personal Struggles and Royal Connections
Høiby, who has been in the public eye since childhood, described his life as one filled with parties, alcohol, and drugs, driven by an "extreme need for validation." He lamented the constant media attention, stating, "I am known for being my mother's son. Nothing else."
The trial coincides with a challenging period for his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has faced criticism for her past interactions with Epstein. The royal palace announced that she has postponed a private trip, adding to the family's current pressures.
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Scenario Analysis
As the trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for both Høiby and the Norwegian royal family. A conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 16 years for Høiby, further complicating the royal family's public image. Legal experts suggest that the case may prompt a reevaluation of privacy laws and media coverage concerning individuals connected to royalty but not holding official titles.
The trial also raises questions about the royal family's ability to navigate public relations challenges, especially in light of Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past associations. The ongoing scrutiny may lead to increased transparency and accountability measures within the royal household.
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is currently on trial in Oslo, facing serious charges including four counts of rape among a total of 38 alleged offenses. The trial has placed the Norwegian royal family under intense scrutiny, particularly due to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's controversial past connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Allegations and Defense
Høiby, 29, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include accusations of sexual assault at the Skaugum residence, the official home of the crown prince and princess. During his testimony, Høiby expressed difficulty in recalling the events, stating he does not remember taking the videos and photos that allegedly show him assaulting a woman. The prosecution argues that the footage, captured in December 2018, depicts the woman unconscious during the incident.
The alleged victim testified that she believed she was drugged, describing her experience as a "betrayal and shock" upon seeing the footage years later. She recounted having consensual sex with Høiby earlier in the evening but had no memory of the alleged assault.
Personal Struggles and Royal Connections
Høiby, who has been in the public eye since childhood, described his life as one filled with parties, alcohol, and drugs, driven by an "extreme need for validation." He lamented the constant media attention, stating, "I am known for being my mother's son. Nothing else."
The trial coincides with a challenging period for his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has faced criticism for her past interactions with Epstein. The royal palace announced that she has postponed a private trip, adding to the family's current pressures.
What this might mean
As the trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for both Høiby and the Norwegian royal family. A conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 16 years for Høiby, further complicating the royal family's public image. Legal experts suggest that the case may prompt a reevaluation of privacy laws and media coverage concerning individuals connected to royalty but not holding official titles.
The trial also raises questions about the royal family's ability to navigate public relations challenges, especially in light of Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past associations. The ongoing scrutiny may lead to increased transparency and accountability measures within the royal household.
