Crime & justice

Norway: Crown Princess's Son Denies Rape Charges as Trial Opens

Does Høiby's case threaten the Norwegian monarchy or has the royal family successfully distanced itself from scandal?

FEB 2·Updated FEB 3

Norway: Crown Princess's Son Denies Rape Charges as Trial Opens

Story

Above: Marius Borg Høiby in Oslo on June 16, 2022. Image credit: Håkon Mosvold Larsen/NTB/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

Norway's crown princess's son has entered not-guilty pleas to four rape charges on the opening day of his trial. Appearing before a full courtroom at Oslo District Court on Tuesday, Marius Borg Høiby also rejected allegations of abuse in close relationships and of secretly recording women's genitals.
Guardian
Daily Mail
Høiby pleaded guilty to charges including sexually offensive behavior, a serious drug offense, breaching a restraining order and several driving-related offenses. He entered partial guilty pleas to charges of serious bodily harm, reckless conduct and an additional violation of a restraining order.
Guardian
Fox 40
This comes after Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was arrested on Sunday evening on suspicion of assault, making threats with a knife and violating a restraining order.
Guardian
Daily Mail
Høiby has no royal title or official duties and is not considered part of the royal house. Crown Prince Haakon stated that he and Mette-Marit do not plan to attend court and emphasized that Høiby has the same responsibilities and rights as all citizens.
NDTV
South China Morning Post
Høiby is the first member of the royal family to be formally charged with a crime and could face more than 10 years in prison if convicted by the Oslo District Court. According to polling data, support for the Norwegian royal family has declined from 81% in 2017 to 62% in September.
NDTV
Daily Mail
Previously, Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a new apology after being named in files released on Friday related to Jeffrey Epstein. She stated that she regretted any contact with Epstein and that she had shown poor judgment by not investigating his background more thoroughly.
CBC
New York Post

Sources Split

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The case should be seen in context: Marius Borg Høiby's arrest reveals a dangerous pattern of violent behavior fueled by cocaine and alcohol abuse. His mother's troubling connections to Jeffrey Epstein — staying at his Florida residence even after sexual exploitation allegations surfaced — raise serious questions about judgment within the royal family. This case is the most serious strain the Norwegian monarchy has ever faced.

ABC Australia

Visegrad 24 on X

Narrative B

The monarchy has distanced itself from Høiby's actions; he holds no royal title and functions as a private citizen with the same legal responsibilities as any Norwegian citizen. King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon expressed appropriate sympathy for the victims while maintaining trust in the justice system. Despite temporary damage, the royal family's popularity has recovered, and the monarchy faces no existential threat.

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