The Norwegian royal family faces mounting scrutiny as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been arrested for the fourth time in 18 months ahead of his trial on 38 criminal charges. The 29-year-old stepson of Crown Prince Haakon was remanded in custody for four weeks following Sunday’s arrest on allegations involving weapon possession and violation of a restraining order.
Høiby’s legal troubles began in August 2024 with accusations of assaulting a former partner. He now faces charges spanning multiple serious offenses including the alleged rape of four women, drug transportation of 3.5kg marijuana, and repeated traffic violations. While admitting to some minor charges, Høiby has denied the most severe allegations against him.
Simultaneously, Norwegians are confronting revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s extensive three-year correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011-2014. The future queen acknowledged “poor judgment” after it emerged she maintained contact through official royal channels, including a four-night stay at Epstein’s Florida residence and discussions about inappropriate wall art for her teenage son.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has implicitly criticized the crown princess’s actions, while royal commentators question the advisory failure surrounding her communications. Historian Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen notes the fundamental distinction: “She’s never a private citizen, she’s always the crown princess.”
The royal household has attempted to distance itself from Høiby’s case, emphasizing his status as a private citizen. Crown Prince Haakon expressed sympathy for affected women and families, calling it “a difficult time for many.” The case continues amid concerns about Høiby’s mental health and substance abuse issues, with the Oslo District Court approving extended custody to prevent reoffending during proceedings.