When Marius Borg Høiby stands up in room 250 at Oslo district court today, he will do so under the weight of significant accusations, including the rape of four women, assault, and drugs offenses. This trial marks the biggest media event in Norway in years, drawing international attention as it unfolds without the presence of his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, or Crown Prince Haakon.
Over seven weeks, the media landscape is poised to remember the grim accusations against Høiby, who is the subject of a comprehensive indictment. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of over ten years in prison. The charges stem from incidents occurring as far back as 2018, and the pressure on the royal family is palpable; they find themselves grappling with the moral dilemmas posed by Høiby's actions.
The royal palace has stressed that Marius is not a public figure and is only loosely connected to the royal lineage, despite being recognized as a close family member. His mental health struggles have previously been documented, which adds another layer to a scandal that many are calling the most significant in the history of the Norwegian monarchy.
Royal experts are increasingly nervous about the implications of this ongoing trial, echoing sentiments that have never been seen before in the Norwegian royal family’s history.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, currently unwell herself, has stepped back from the public eye, which has led to questions regarding her family’s overall wellbeing amid the tumult. As the trial proceedings begin, Norway's royal house is left to navigate a landscape marked by potential familial and institutional upheaval.
