The son of Norway’s future queen was arrested just hours before his trial on rape charges, transforming a royal family’s worst nightmare into a public spectacle that threatens the very foundation of one of Europe’s most beloved monarchies.
Story Snapshot
- Marius Borg Høiby arrested February 1, 2026, on new assault and restraining order violations
- Trial begins February 3 on 38 counts including four alleged rapes spanning 2018-2024
- Police seek four-week detention citing reoffending risk; faces up to 16 years if convicted
- Arrest coincides with Epstein document release mentioning Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- Crown Prince Haakon emphasizes stepson’s equal citizen status under Norwegian law
The Arrest That Shook Oslo
Police took Marius Borg Høiby into custody Sunday evening on charges of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order against former partners. The 29-year-old, who holds no royal title despite his mother’s position as Crown Princess, was scheduled to stand trial just 36 hours later. Oslo Police District requested four weeks detention, arguing he posed a continuing threat to victims already protected by court orders. The timing could not have been worse for a monarchy that prides itself on stability and public trust.
A Pattern of Alleged Violence Spanning Six Years
The charges against Høiby paint a disturbing picture. Prosecutors allege four separate rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024. Additional counts include violence and threats against one ex-partner from summer 2022 through fall 2023, and two acts of violence against another partner. The indictment also covers marijuana transportation weighing 7.7 pounds, death threats, and traffic violations. Høiby denies the sexual abuse allegations and most violence charges but admits to minor offenses. His defense strategy hinges on attacking the credibility of evidence while acknowledging lesser infractions.
Royal Family Caught Between Duty and Disgrace
Crown Prince Haakon announced he would not attend the trial and refused to comment on the case, insisting Høiby must be treated as any other Norwegian citizen. This stance reflects the delicate balance European royals must maintain between family loyalty and respect for democratic institutions. The Crown Princess herself issued a statement expressing sympathy for victims while distancing the royal household from her son’s actions. Born before Mette-Marit’s 2001 marriage to Haakon, Høiby was never granted royal duties or titles, a decision that now provides the family crucial separation from his alleged crimes.
The Epstein Shadow Lengthens
Days before the arrest, newly released documents revealed Crown Princess Mette-Marit used Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach property in 2013 through a mutual friend. She called the connection embarrassing and expressed regret, echoing similar statements from 2019 when her Epstein ties first surfaced. Norwegian media NRK reported hundreds of mentions of Mette-Marit in the released files. The overlap between her son’s arrest and this revelation creates a perfect storm of scandal. While the two situations remain legally unconnected, their simultaneous emergence amplifies scrutiny on a family already struggling with public perception challenges including Princess Märtha Louise’s controversial 2024 marriage to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett.
Justice Without Exception
The Oslo District Court trial runs through March 19, with prosecutors presenting evidence from multiple ex-girlfriends serving as plaintiffs. Norwegian law treats Høiby identically to any defendant, stripping away royal connections inside the courtroom. This equality under law represents Scandinavian democracy at its finest, even as it exposes the monarchy to uncomfortable questions about family values and accountability. A conviction carrying up to 16 years would mark one of the most serious criminal cases ever involving someone so close to a European throne, despite his lack of formal royal status. The coming weeks will test whether Norway’s beloved monarchy can weather simultaneous storms of alleged violence, poor judgment, and unavoidable publicity.
Sources:
ABC News – Son of Norway’s crown princess on trial for rape charges
