The Norwegian Royal Family is bracing for a media firestorm as Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, heads to court tomorrow, February 3, 2026. This isn’t just a minor legal hiccup; it’s a full-blown existential crisis for the monarchy, involving a staggering 38-count indictment.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Core Allegations
While Høiby has been a “wild child” in the tabloids for years, the charges now moving to trial are of a far more predatory and serious nature:
- Sexual Assault: The most severe charges involve four separate counts of rape. Prosecutors allege Høiby targeted women who were sleeping or incapacitated, with some incidents reportedly recorded on his phone.
- Domestic Abuse: Multiple former girlfriends have come forward alleging a pattern of physical and psychological “abuse in close relationships.”
- The “Drug Mule” Charge: Beyond the violence, he is charged with trafficking 3.5 kilos of marijuana back in 2020.
- A Trail of Chaos: The remaining counts cover everything from death threats and reckless driving to repeatedly breaking restraining orders.
The Defense vs. The Crown
The Royal Response: The Palace has effectively “ghosted” the proceedings. Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit have made it clear that while they support Marius as a son, he is a private citizen. They will not be in the courtroom, and they are not lifting a finger to shield him from the potential 10 to 16-year prison sentence looming over him.
Why It Matters
This trial is a test for the Norwegian legal system: Can a member of the Royal household truly be treated like an ordinary citizen? With the monarchy’s approval ratings at an all-time low, the next six weeks in the Oslo District Court will likely determine the future of the Crown itself.
