Marius Borg Høiby in Court as Princess Mette-Marit Faces Pressure from Epstein Victims

An unprecedented trial of Marius Borg Høiby is ongoing at the District Court in Oslo. The son of the Norwegian Crown Princess faces 38 charges, including four counts of rape and numerous accusations of domestic violence, threats, and drug possession. During recent hearings, a fourth alleged victim delivered shocking testimony, describing how the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her and filmed her while she slept in a hotel room. Høiby has admitted to some of the violence charges but maintains that the rapes occurred with mutual consent, arguing specific arrangements with his partners. This brutally contrasts with the accounts of women who describe him as "possessed" and aggressive. Simultaneously, Norwegian public opinion is outraged by new facts regarding the Epstein case. Marina Lacerda, one of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, appeared on Norwegian television, accusing Princess Mette-Marit of maintaining close contacts with the pedophile despite being aware of his past. Lacerda publicly questioned how the princess would feel if her own children were victims. In an official statement, the princess expressed deep distress over the victims' stories and declared her full support for them but avoided direct apologies for her past associations. The Norwegian royal family, descended from a junior branch of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, has enjoyed the highest public support among European monarchies for years, reaching 80 percent. The tradition of strict integration with citizens and modesty is now being eroded by moral and ethical scandals. The scandal also touches the Norwegian diplomatic corps. Revealed documents indicate connections between prestigious diplomats, such as Terje Roed-Larsen, and the Epstein Foundation. Norway, which has built its image for years as a "humanitarian superpower" and international conflict mediator, must face accusations of systemic corruption and a lack of oversight mechanisms. The upcoming days of the Høiby trial and mounting international pressure regarding the Epstein archives herald a prolonged crisis that could permanently change the country's political structure and lead to a debate on the justification for the monarchy's existence. 38 — charges heard by Marius Borg Høiby Key procedural and image moments: August 4, 2024 — ; February 5, 2026 — ; February 18, 2026 — ; February 19, 2026 — „I am deeply shocked by the stories of the many victims of Epstein and they have my full support.” — Mette-Marit, Princess of Norway