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Trial of Marius Høiby
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, went on trial in Oslo on Feb. 3.
“Marius Høiby ... is on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and other offences.”
He faces a 38-count indictment that includes four counts of rape as well as other alleged sexual and violent offences, threats, breaches of restraining orders, and a serious narcotics charge.
He has pleaded not guilty to the four rape counts while admitting to several lesser offences and traffic-related charges.
Prosecutors say the combined indictment could carry up to about a decade or more behind bars depending on how counts are aggregated.
The trial is scheduled to run for several weeks with at least one closed-door victim testimony, and Høiby is due to testify mid-proceedings.
Re-arrest and trial restrictions
Days before the trial opened, Høiby was re-arrested on suspicion of assault, making threats with a knife, and breaching a restraining order.
Oslo district court remanded him for up to four weeks, citing a perceived risk of reoffending.
Defence lawyers say they contest the detention and may appeal after police take statements.
Several outlets report that some courtroom sessions will be restricted, including closed-door testimony and limits on identifying victims.
Royal household controversy
The case has provoked renewed scrutiny of the royal household because of Høiby’s close association with Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and the appearance of her name in unsealed U.S. files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
“The arrest comes as additional pressure on the royal family after newly unsealed US Justice Department files showed Mette‑Marit had been in contact with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014”
The crown princess has publicly referred to the revelations as poor judgement and 'simply embarrassing,' while the royal household says Høiby is a private citizen with no official royal title and that senior royals will not attend the trial.
Commentators and tabloid outlets frame the affair as damaging to the monarchy’s reputation, whereas some mainstream reporting stresses equal treatment under the law.
Allegations and reporting summary
Reports vary on background details, with several outlets saying the allegations span 2018 through November 2024 and involve multiple alleged victims.
Reporters cite between four rape counts and seven alleged victims overall and include claims that some incidents were filmed.
Coverage also notes an admitted narcotics transport of about 3.5 kg of marijuana and other minor offences.
It also mentions Høiby's past run-ins with the law and substance issues reported in 2024.
Defence teams uniformly deny the most serious sexual-abuse and violence charges.
Regional press coverage
European and Western mainstream outlets emphasize due process and factual reporting of court steps.
“Høiby’s defense denies all sexual-abuse charges and most violence allegations. The royal household said it will not attend or comment on the proceedings”
Local U.S. outlets highlight defence claims and procedural appeals.
African and West Asian outlets note courtroom restrictions and the symbolic impact on the monarchy.
Tabloids foreground scandal, background salaciousness, and reputational harm.
Across reporting, most outlets return to the same core facts: 38 counts, four rape allegations, remand, a narcotics admission, and that Høiby denies the most serious charges while some lesser admissions stand.