Royal Family Under Scrutiny as Crown Prince’s Son Faces Criminal Charges
The son of Norway’s crown prince is currently on trial, facing multiple criminal allegations, including rape. Marius Borg Højby, 29, has pleaded not guilty to these serious charges, initiating a trial that could significantly affect the royal family’s reputation.
Højby is the eldest son of Crown Prince Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and is married to Crown Prince Haakon, who is the heir apparent. Despite his royal connections, he does not hold an official title or perform any royal functions.
In a tense session at the Oslo District Court, Højby stood for 24 minutes while prosecutor Sturla Henriksborg outlined 38 charges against him. He consistently denied the most severe accusations, which include four counts of rape.
Other charges against him involve abuse in an intimate relationship, assault against a different partner, and possession of 7.7 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, he faces accusations of making death threats and various traffic violations.
Højby admitted guilt for some driving infractions, aggravated drug offenses, and violating a restraining order, while “partially” accepting responsibility for menacing and aggravated assault. Appearing in a brown sweater and beige pants, he was quiet but engaged frequently with his lawyer. Court officials adjusted microphones to better capture his responses.
If convicted, the prosecutors indicate he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. The trial is set to continue on March 19, with seven alleged victims expected to take the stand.
Henrikborg emphasized in court, “There is equality before the law,” stressing that Højby, despite being connected to the royal family, would be treated like any other defendant.
Global Attention on the Case
Given the trial’s international implications, Judge John Sverdrup Evjestad addressed the court in English, informing everyone that photography and recording were not allowed and that some witness testimonies would be conducted privately.
The investigation began in 2024 after police were alerted to violence reported in an upscale Oslo apartment. Although initially released after his arrest, the case gained traction as more women came forward with allegations.
The charges primarily stem from four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024, along with accusations of assault and intimidation of a former partner between summer 2022 and fall 2023, plus a few counts of assault and restraining order violations.
New charges, including drug offenses and further restraining order violations, emerged in January, resulting in Højby’s latest arrest on suspicion of assault and threatening behavior.
Following this, an Oslo court authorized a four-week detention, citing the risk of reoffending. Højby’s lawyer noted that these recent arrests were linked to an “incident” involving another individual on Sunday but declined to elaborate. The defense is currently contemplating an appeal.
Last week, Crown Prince Haakon stated that he and Mette-Marit would not attend the trial and that royal family members would refrain from commenting during this sensitive period.
Challenges for the Royal Family
While King Harald and the royal family generally enjoy popularity in Norway, the situation surrounding Højby presents a challenge for their public image. This trial emerges at a particularly tumultuous moment, as Mette-Marit faces renewed scrutiny following disclosures about her past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019.
Norwegian media reported that newly released documents contain numerous references to Mette-Marit, who had previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein. Evidence has shown that she rented property from him in Florida in 2013, which was arranged through mutual acquaintances. Mette-Marit acknowledged the error in her judgment, stating, “I regret my contact with Epstein and showed poor judgment. I am truly ashamed.”
