Marius Borg Høiby breaks down in court as Princess Mette-Marit is mentioned

The trial shaking the Norwegian royal family reached one of its most tense moments following an emotional testimony in court.

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has entered one of its most delicate phases. On day 14 of proceedings — scheduled to last seven weeks — the 29-year-old defendant became visibly emotional in court when references were made to his mother and stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon.

Høiby faces 38 charges, including four counts of rape and allegations of domestic violence against a former partner. He denies the most serious accusations, although he has admitted to lesser offences such as transporting marijuana, breaching a restraining order and committing a traffic violation. If convicted on the principal charges, he could face up to ten years in prison.

Tensions escalated following the testimony of his former girlfriend, influencer Nora Haukland, who told the court that their relationship between 2022 and 2023 was marked by manipulation, violence and episodes of love bombing. She also stated that she had informed Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon about the situation after the relationship ended, suggesting that the family environment attempted to help Høiby seek treatment.

While giving evidence, Høiby reacted strongly to the involvement of his parents in the case. He insisted that they had acted solely to support him and expressed frustration at the way their role had been portrayed. During his statement, his voice reportedly broke, and the judge allowed a short recess so he could compose himself.

When proceedings resumed, he maintained that the royal family had done nothing wrong and said his parents had always tried to assist both him and his former partner. The moment has been described as one of the most charged episodes of the trial so far.

The case has also been surrounded by fresh controversy after the possibility was raised in court that Høiby may have a child whose existence had not previously been public. According to statements presented during the proceedings, the defendant allegedly referred to this in a conversation at a party in Oslo. His legal team has stated that they are unaware of such information and have urged caution regarding the spread of speculation.

The Norwegian Royal Palace has declined to comment while the judicial process remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the case continues to attract significant media attention in Norway and across Europe, given Høiby’s close connection to the monarchy.

The court is expected to hear further testimonies in the coming weeks in a trial that will not only determine Marius Borg Høiby’s criminal responsibility, but also keeps the Norwegian royal institution under intense public scrutiny.