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Thursday 09/04/2026

Norwegian Royal Family Faces Dual Crises Amid Epstein Scandal and Rape Trial

Norwegian royal family with Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway apologizes for her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, amid public scrutiny and political pressure.
  • Marius Borg Høiby, the crown princess's son, is on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including four counts of rape, which he denies.
  • The Norwegian monarchy's popularity has declined, with polls showing a drop in support from 72% to 54% amid these crises.
  • Crown Prince Haakon emphasizes family support during these challenging times, highlighting the need to care for all family members.
  • The royal family's standing is further threatened as organizations consider ending their association with the crown princess.

Norway's royal family is grappling with two significant crises that have shaken public confidence and cast a shadow over the monarchy. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a public apology for her past friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, as her son, Marius Borg Høiby, stands trial in Oslo on multiple charges, including rape.

Crown Princess's Apology

Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed "profound regret" for her association with Epstein, following the release of emails revealing their correspondence from 2011 to 2014. The crown princess acknowledged her "poor judgement" and apologized for the distress caused to the royal family, particularly King Harald V and Queen Sonja. The revelations have sparked criticism from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the public, leading to calls for more transparency from the royal household.

Marius Borg Høiby's Legal Battle

Marius Borg Høiby, the crown princess's son from a previous relationship, is facing 38 charges, including four counts of rape, which he denies. The trial has captivated Norway, with Høiby admitting partial guilt for lesser charges such as aggravated assault. Crown Prince Haakon has emphasized the family's support for Høiby during this challenging time, underscoring the importance of caring for all family members.

Impact on the Monarchy

The dual crises have significantly impacted the monarchy's standing, with recent polls indicating a drop in support for the institution from 72% to 54%. The public's confidence in Mette-Marit as a future queen has been shaken, with nearly half of Norwegians questioning her suitability for the role. The crown princess's health struggles, including a potential lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis, had previously garnered public sympathy, but the current controversies have overshadowed this support.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The Norwegian royal family faces a challenging path ahead as they navigate these dual crises. The outcome of Marius Borg Høiby's trial could further influence public opinion and the monarchy's reputation. If the crown princess continues to face scrutiny over her past associations, it may prompt a reevaluation of her role within the royal family. Experts suggest that the monarchy's future may hinge on its ability to maintain transparency and regain public trust. As the situation unfolds, the royal family will need to balance personal challenges with their public responsibilities, potentially reshaping the monarchy's role in Norwegian society.