Norwegian Royal Family Faces Dual Scandals Amidst High-Profile Trial
Published 1 February 2026
Highlights
- Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces 38 charges, including rape and assault, in a trial starting at Oslo district court.
- Crown Princess Mette-Marit admitted to "poor judgement" over her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in newly released files.
- The royal family is under scrutiny, with no members attending Høiby's trial, which could result in a sentence of over 10 years if he is convicted.
- The trial and Epstein revelations have sparked a significant scandal for Norway's royal family, raising questions about their public image and judgement.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre agreed with the princess's admission of poor judgement, highlighting the unusual nature of the royal family's current challenges.
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Rewritten Article
Norwegian Royal Family Faces Dual Scandals Amidst High-Profile Trial
The Norwegian royal family is grappling with a dual scandal as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stands trial on 38 charges, including rape and assault, while the princess herself faces scrutiny over past connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The trial, which began at Oslo district court, has drawn significant media attention, though no royal family members are in attendance.
Marius Borg Høiby's Legal Battle
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is accused of multiple serious offenses, including the rape of four women, assault, and drug-related charges. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence exceeding 10 years. The charges span several years, with allegations of sexual assault occurring while the victims were incapacitated, which constitutes rape under Norwegian law. Høiby has admitted to some lesser offenses but denies the most serious allegations.
The trial has placed the royal family in an uncomfortable spotlight, with Crown Prince Haakon expressing sympathy for those affected by the case. Despite the palace's insistence that Høiby is not a public figure, his close ties to the royal family have intensified public interest.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Epstein Connection
Compounding the royal family's woes, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has admitted to "poor judgement" regarding her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released files from the US Department of Justice reveal extensive contact between the princess and Epstein from 2011 to 2014. The files include numerous emails, some of which suggest a close relationship, despite Epstein's criminal history.
In a statement, Mette-Marit expressed regret and embarrassment over her association with Epstein, offering her sympathy to his victims. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed her sentiment, agreeing with her admission of poor judgement.
Public and Political Repercussions
The revelations have sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the royal family's judgement and public image. The timing of these scandals, coinciding with Høiby's trial, has intensified scrutiny on the monarchy's role as societal role models.
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Scenario Analysis
As Marius Borg Høiby's trial progresses, the royal family faces the challenge of maintaining public trust amidst ongoing scrutiny. A conviction could have severe implications for Høiby and further strain the royal family's reputation. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's admission of poor judgement in her dealings with Epstein may prompt a reevaluation of the royal family's advisory protocols.
Experts suggest that the monarchy's ability to navigate these scandals will be crucial in preserving its standing in Norwegian society. The outcome of Høiby's trial and the public's response to the Epstein revelations could shape the royal family's future role and influence in Norway.
The Norwegian royal family is grappling with a dual scandal as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stands trial on 38 charges, including rape and assault, while the princess herself faces scrutiny over past connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The trial, which began at Oslo district court, has drawn significant media attention, though no royal family members are in attendance.
Marius Borg Høiby's Legal Battle
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is accused of multiple serious offenses, including the rape of four women, assault, and drug-related charges. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence exceeding 10 years. The charges span several years, with allegations of sexual assault occurring while the victims were incapacitated, which constitutes rape under Norwegian law. Høiby has admitted to some lesser offenses but denies the most serious allegations.
The trial has placed the royal family in an uncomfortable spotlight, with Crown Prince Haakon expressing sympathy for those affected by the case. Despite the palace's insistence that Høiby is not a public figure, his close ties to the royal family have intensified public interest.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Epstein Connection
Compounding the royal family's woes, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has admitted to "poor judgement" regarding her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released files from the US Department of Justice reveal extensive contact between the princess and Epstein from 2011 to 2014. The files include numerous emails, some of which suggest a close relationship, despite Epstein's criminal history.
In a statement, Mette-Marit expressed regret and embarrassment over her association with Epstein, offering her sympathy to his victims. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed her sentiment, agreeing with her admission of poor judgement.
Public and Political Repercussions
The revelations have sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the royal family's judgement and public image. The timing of these scandals, coinciding with Høiby's trial, has intensified scrutiny on the monarchy's role as societal role models.
What this might mean
As Marius Borg Høiby's trial progresses, the royal family faces the challenge of maintaining public trust amidst ongoing scrutiny. A conviction could have severe implications for Høiby and further strain the royal family's reputation. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's admission of poor judgement in her dealings with Epstein may prompt a reevaluation of the royal family's advisory protocols.
Experts suggest that the monarchy's ability to navigate these scandals will be crucial in preserving its standing in Norwegian society. The outcome of Høiby's trial and the public's response to the Epstein revelations could shape the royal family's future role and influence in Norway.
