Trial of Crown Princess's Son Sends Shockwaves Through Norway
A year and a half after Marius Borg Høiby was arrested by police over a violent episode at a woman's flat in Oslo, the son of Norway's Crown Princess is now on trial in what is being described as the most significant legal case to hit the courtroom in years.
The seven-week trial opened at Oslo District Court on Tuesday, coinciding with almost daily revelations surrounding the young man and his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
On the eve of the trial, it was reported that the 29-year-old Høiby had been detained once more over allegations involving assault, threats with a knife, and violations of a restraining order. He is starting the trial in custody, following a police remand of four weeks.
Høiby’s defence team plans to appeal against the remand decision, while the growing scandal has also placed Crown Princess Mette-Marit under intense scrutiny after it was revealed she had extensive contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While she acknowledged showing poor judgement, the fallout has seen organizations distancing themselves from her, including the removal of her patronage from an annual prize.
Heavy restrictions are in place for the trial, including a ban on photographing Høiby and protecting the identities of alleged victims. The royal family will reportedly not attend the proceedings, which are drawing significant public interest across Norway.
Høiby faces charges ranging from rape and assault to drug possession, with his trial heavily scrutinized amid broader concerns regarding the royal family's public image. Some commentators predict this situation will mark a turning point for the Crown Princess and the royal institution in Norway.
The controversy surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her son comes at a time when the royal family remains generally popular, but recent events have prompted concerns about their long-term standing, especially as republican sentiments intermittently emerge in Norwegian political discourse.
