On February 5, 2026, the Oslo District Court became the unlikely stage for a case that has gripped Norway and sent ripples through royal circles and the public alike. Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, appeared before the court to answer to a staggering 38 charges related to gender-based violence, including four counts of sexual assault. The proceedings, brief but intense, have thrown a spotlight on both the Norwegian legal system and the pressures that come with royal proximity—especially when the accused is not a formal member of the royal household, but carries its burdens nonetheless.
According to Al-Ain News, the allegations stem from an incident in December 2018, during a party in the basement of the official residence in Skaugum. While Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit were reportedly upstairs, the prosecution alleges that Marius assaulted a woman who was unconscious at the time. The prosecution presented four video clips and ten photographs, all allegedly taken during a five-minute window in the early morning hours, as evidence of the crime. In Norway, the law defines rape to include cases where the victim is unable to consent, even in the absence of penetration.
Confronted with the videos and photographs in court, Marius maintained his innocence, telling the judges, "I don't even remember taking them." He described seeing the woman appearing to be asleep in the recordings, but firmly denied the accusation of rape. "The relationship was consensual and she was awake," he insisted, adding, "I do not have sex with women who are not conscious." The defense, as reported by Al-Ain News, underscored inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and pointed out that no physical injuries were documented on Marius, suggesting that the evidence might not be as clear-cut as the prosecution claims.
The complainant, whose identity is protected by court order, offered her own account of the night. She said she remembered a brief, consensual encounter with Marius earlier in the evening, but had no recollection of the alleged assault. It was only after police showed her the video evidence that she became aware of what had transpired. She described seeing herself "completely unconscious" in the footage, expressing deep shock and a sense of betrayal. She also voiced suspicions that she may have been drugged, though this remains unproven. "It was a shock and a betrayal," she told the court, her words echoing the trauma that such cases so often bring to light.
Marius, for his part, was visibly emotional during his testimony. At one point, he broke down in tears, describing the psychological toll of living under constant media scrutiny since childhood. "I have been chased and tormented since I was three," he said, attributing his later struggles with alcohol and drugs to an overwhelming need for acceptance and recognition. He admitted that the party in question involved drinking and possibly drug use, and said his memory of the night was hazy. He also explained that he kept intimate photos and videos in a separate, private app on his phone, meant solely for personal use.
The defense, as reported by multiple outlets, including Al-Ain News and Al-Mansher Al-Ikhbari, continued to push back against the prosecution's narrative. They argued that the evidence was circumstantial, the complainant's statements were inconsistent, and that the absence of physical injuries further undermined the case. Marius's legal team, present and supportive during the proceedings, described him as calm and composed despite the enormous pressure.
The trial comes at a sensitive time for Norway's royal family, which has already faced public scrutiny over Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past associations with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The current case has only added to the pressure, with critics questioning the family's ability to handle such crises and the impact on Norway's image abroad. While Marius has no official royal title or duties, his connection to the family ensures that every development is closely watched—and widely debated.
The legal proceedings themselves have been marked by brevity and intensity. The first session lasted just four minutes, followed by a five-minute break—a testament to the careful, methodical approach taken by the Norwegian courts in high-profile cases. Yet, the brevity belies the complexity and gravity of the accusations, which could result in a sentence of up to 16 years in prison if Marius is found guilty. The case, which reportedly began with an incident in Skåne, Sweden, in 2018, has since expanded to include multiple allegations spanning several years.
Media coverage has been relentless, with every detail—no matter how minor—scrutinized and debated in newspapers, on television, and across social media. The royal family's response has been measured, but the pressure is palpable. As the BBC and other international outlets have noted, cases involving royals or their close relatives often become lightning rods for broader societal debates about privilege, justice, and accountability.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some Norwegians express sympathy for Marius, citing the extraordinary pressures he has faced since childhood and the often harsh glare of the media spotlight. Others, however, argue that his status should not shield him from the consequences of his actions if he is found guilty. The debate has also reignited discussions about the role and relevance of the monarchy in modern Norway, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the institution's future.
As the trial continues, both sides are preparing for a protracted legal battle. The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses and present further evidence, while the defense will likely continue to challenge the credibility of the accuser and the reliability of the evidence. Regardless of the outcome, the case has already left an indelible mark on Norway's royal family and its public image.
For now, the nation waits. The stakes are high—not just for Marius Borg Høiby, but for the entire royal household and the principles of justice and accountability that underpin Norwegian society. The coming weeks will reveal whether the court finds the evidence compelling enough to convict, or whether Marius's defense will succeed in casting sufficient doubt. Either way, this is a story that will not soon be forgotten in Norway, or beyond.