Oslo Court Tries Crown Princess's Son Marius Borg Høiby on 38 Charges Including Four Counts of Rape

Marius Borg Høiby, 29, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, went on trial in Oslo on Feb. 3.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

“Marius Borg Høiby faces 38 charges as trial commences in Oslo, intensifying scrutiny on Norway’s royal family”

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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.

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.

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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.

European and Western mainstream outlets emphasize due process and factual reporting of court steps.

“Norwegian media report that Marius Borg Høiby — the non‑royal stepson of Crown Prince Haakon — has been detained for a fourth time since August 2024”

BBC

Local U.S. outlets highlight defence claims and procedural appeals.

BBC

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.