Norwegian Royal Family Faces Scrutiny Amidst Landmark Rape Trial

Tue Feb 03 2026 12:26:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has thrust Norway's royal family into the spotlight as they navigate a scandal that may redefine their public image.

Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, is currently on trial for multiple serious charges, including rape. The absence of his royal family during the trial has raised questions about their support and their public image. With significant media attention, the case is poised to have lasting effects on Norway's monarchy.

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is underway at Oslo district court, marking one of the most significant scandals in recent Norwegian royal history. As Høiby stands accused of 38 charges, including the rapes of four women and various assaults, the royal family has notably chosen to distance themselves, with Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon absent from the proceedings.

Høiby, 29, is alleged to have committed serious offenses including threats, assault against a girlfriend, and drug-related crimes. If convicted, he could face over ten years in prison. The trial, devoid of photographs per court rulings, sees a large media presence as the palace maintains a low profile.

While the palace emphasizes that Høiby is not a public figure, he is viewed as a close family member by King Harald V and Crown Prince Haakon, suggesting a private familial support that contrasts with their public distance.

This case creates discomfort for the royal family, as expectations for them to serve as role models complicate their narratives amidst serious criminal allegations. Royal observers have described this moment as a potential turning point for how the monarchy is perceived by the public.

The involvement of the press has been significant, with journalists documenting the ongoing situation, further intensifying scrutiny on the family dynamics of the Norwegian royals. While some royal watchers believe Høiby's familial connections might help his case, most public sentiment indicates a separation between the trial and the monarchy's general popularity, which remains relatively high according to recent polls.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has recently faced health challenges, overshadowing the family's focus on the ongoing trial. This narrative intertwines personal struggles within the royal family with the broader implications of Høiby's trial and its effect on the monarchy's legacy.