Crown Princess’s Son Testifies in Oslo Court
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, struggled to hold back tears while giving evidence at his rape trial in Oslo. He admitted he led a lifestyle of excessive partying, drugs, and alcohol to cope with a deep need for validation.
During his testimony, Høiby appeared visibly shaken, pausing several times to remove his glasses and wipe his eyes. He said it was extremely difficult to speak in court, adding that the media had followed him relentlessly since he was three years old.
Allegations of Sexual Assault
The trial follows accusations from four women, one of whom claimed she was drugged at a party in December 2018 at Høiby’s parents’ home. She said police later showed her videos allegedly depicting Høiby assaulting her after consensual sex.
All women involved in the case are protected by court orders, which ban media from revealing their identities. The court has also prohibited photos of Høiby inside the courthouse or while arriving or leaving.
Høiby Opens Up About His Lifestyle
Høiby told the judges he was primarily known as “Mamma’s son” and that his personal struggles were rarely understood. He admitted to years of substance abuse and attending numerous parties.
“I am known for being Mamma’s son. Nothing else,” he said, recounting the pressures of growing up under public scrutiny. Despite bringing notes, he rarely looked down while speaking for half an hour.
Background and Arrest
Høiby’s trial coincides with scrutiny of his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, for exchanging messages with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The royal palace confirmed she postponed a private trip amid the controversy.
Høiby was arrested in August 2024 after a violent incident at his girlfriend’s flat, where he allegedly threw a knife, damaged property, and abused her verbally. Following a lengthy investigation, he was charged with multiple offences, including rape, assault, threatening behavior, drugs offences, and driving violations. If convicted, he could face at least ten years in prison.
Courtroom Appearance
On the second day of the trial, Høiby appeared in a dark blue sweater over a beige shirt. He focused on the judges and did not glance at the alleged victims seated nearby. He recounted meeting one of the women at a party in 2018, admitting he had taken cocaine for the first time that night.
