.webp)
Marius Borg Høiby faces a major scandal that is shaking the Norwegian monarchy and placing its public image under intense scrutiny.
What was once seen as a modern narrative within the Norwegian monarchy has now turned into an unprecedented crisis. Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, is facing a trial involving 40 charges, including rape, aggravated assault and drug-related offences.
The trial, which has lasted seven weeks in Oslo, has brought serious allegations to light. According to the investigation, Høiby is accused of assaulting former partners, including incidents of physical violence and strangulation, as well as allegedly drugging some victims prior to the attacks. Police claim to have found videos on his phone showing several women unconscious.
The defendant has denied the most serious charges, including rape, although he has admitted to other offences such as transporting 3.5 kg of cannabis, reckless driving and some instances of violent behaviour. In his final statements, shaped by intense media pressure, he acknowledged the impact of the case on his public identity: “I am no longer Marius, I am a monster.”
Some of the alleged incidents are said to have taken place at the royal residence of Skaugum, further intensifying the institutional impact of the case. Although Høiby does not hold an official royal role, his close ties to the royal family have made it impossible to separate the personal from the institutional.
The scandal has had direct consequences on public perception. According to data from national broadcaster NRK, support for the monarchy has dropped from 70% to 60%, the lowest level recorded in decades. The image of Mette-Marit has also been significantly affected, with a notable decline in public approval.
This situation is compounded by recent controversy surrounding the princess’s mention in documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, though no wrongdoing has been alleged. Mette-Marit stated she had been “manipulated”, in an attempt to limit reputational damage.
Meanwhile, the royal family is facing one of its most delicate moments, with the princess stepping back from public duties due to health reasons and a growing climate of social distrust. The verdict is not expected until June, but the impact is already evident.
