Son of Norwegian Crown Princess Faces Trial: Rape Charges and Links to Jeffrey Epstein

The ninth day of the trial against Marius Borg Høiby is ongoing at the Oslo District Court. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit is accused of a series of crimes, the most serious of which involve four rapes. On Wednesday, a fourth alleged victim testified in court, describing traumatic events at a hotel in the capital of Norway. The woman claims the defendant sexually assaulted her while she was asleep and then recorded sexual acts with his phone. The testimony was so damaging that defense attorney Petar Sekulic stated his client did not feel able to provide further explanations that day. Høiby's defense line relies on the claim of a "contract" for intercourse during sleep, which sexology experts question. Simultaneously, the Norwegian monarchy is facing another major scandal. New documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case have revealed close contacts between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the American sex offender. Marina Lacerda, one of Epstein's victims, appeared on the TV program "Debatten," accusing the princess of lacking empathy and demanding an apology for her long-standing acquaintance with the criminal. In response, the Palace issued a statement in which the princess expresses "deep shock" at the victims' stories and assures her full support for them. Commentators note that the accumulation of these affairs is drastically eroding trust in the royal family and the Norwegian political elite. Relations between the Norwegian royal family and controversial figures have been debated before, but traditionally high support for the monarchy in Scandinavian countries has effectively suppressed critical voices until now. The criminal trial is currently focused on analyzing digital evidence. Investigators are examining the defendant's phone, trying to find secured video materials. Lay judges are also participating in the trial, and a verdict may be reached within the coming weeks. If Marius Borg Høiby is found guilty of all 38 prohibited acts, he faces a lengthy prison sentence. „I am deeply shocked by the stories of many of Epstein's victims, and they have my full support.” — Mette-Marit, Crown Princess „What if this had happened to her children? How would she feel then?” — Marina Lacerda 38 — charges have been brought against the son of the Norwegian princess Trial and Scandal Timeline: February 3, 2026 — Trial Begins; February 17, 2026 — Victim's Father Testifies; February 18, 2026 — Confrontation with the Past; February 18, 15:00 — Palace Statement

["Yes, the monarchy has lost its moral mandate", "No, these are past mistakes", "No opinion"]