Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, appeared emotional and visibly shaken as he testified in court on the second day of his rape trial in Oslo, denying multiple allegations of sexual assault and other serious offences.
Høiby, who is accused of four counts of rape and more than 30 additional crimes, paused several times during his testimony, removing his glasses to wipe away tears as his voice quivered.
“It’s very difficult to talk,” he told the court, describing years of intense media scrutiny that he said began when he was just three years old.
‘A Life of Validation’
Addressing the three-judge panel, Høiby spoke candidly about what he described as a troubled lifestyle driven by insecurity and a desire for approval.
“I am known for being Mamma’s son. Nothing else,” he said.
“Few can relate to the life I have led — a lot of parties, alcohol, some drugs.”
He admitted to heavy partying, substance abuse, and promiscuity, saying it stemmed from “an extreme need for validation.”
Despite this, he denied all four rape allegations and several other serious charges.
First Accuser’s Testimony
Earlier in the proceedings, the first woman alleging rape told the court she was “100 per cent” certain she had been drugged during an after-party at the basement of Høiby’s parents’ home in December 2018.
She described feeling a sense of “betrayal and shock” after police later showed her videos allegedly depicting Høiby sexually assaulting her.
According to her testimony, she had only brief consensual sex before losing memory of events, describing the period as a “black hole.”
The court has barred the media from publishing information that could identify the women involved and has prohibited photographs of Høiby during the trial.
Defendant’s Version
Høiby disputed the woman’s account, insisting their sexual encounter was consensual.
“I don’t sleep with women who aren’t awake,” he said firmly when questioned by prosecutors.
He denied remembering filming any sexual activity but admitted recording a five-minute video of the woman in the basement, though he said he could not recall the circumstances.
At times, he appeared frustrated when pressed about inconsistencies, stating he could not remember the exact sequence of events.
Background and Charges
Although born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby grew up within Norway’s royal household but is not a formal member of the royal family.
He was arrested in August 2024 after an alleged violent incident at a girlfriend’s apartment, where he is accused of damaging property and wielding a knife.
Following a lengthy investigation, prosecutors charged him with numerous offences, including:
• Four counts of rape
• Assault and threats
• Property damage
• Drug-related offences
• Driving violations
Authorities allege the sexual assaults occurred between 2018 and 2024, often after consensual sex when the women were asleep or incapacitated.
If convicted, Høiby could face a prison sentence of at least 10 years.
Royal Family Under Pressure
The trial comes at a sensitive time for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently faced criticism over previously undisclosed communications with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The palace has announced that she postponed a private trip “until further notice,” as scrutiny intensifies.
Trial Continues
Høiby, who reportedly received hospital treatment overnight after his first day in court, is expected to continue his testimony.
The case has drawn significant public and media attention in Norway, given the defendant’s connection to the royal family and the seriousness of the charges.
Source: BBC
