Royal Step-Son's Emotional Court Denial: Marius Borg Høiby Rejects Rape Video Claims
The stepson of Norway's crown prince broke down in tears during court testimony on Wednesday as he vehemently denied that videos discovered on his mobile telephone depicted acts of rape. Marius Borg Høiby, 29, who became part of the Norwegian royal family when his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, gave emotional testimony during the opening days of his trial for multiple serious charges including rape and domestic violence.
Charges That Could Bring Years Behind Bars
Høiby faces a total of thirty-eight charges, with the most severe allegations carrying the potential for years of imprisonment if he is found guilty. On Tuesday, the initial day of proceedings, he entered a plea of not guilty to the most serious accusations of rape and domestic violence. However, under Norwegian legal provisions that permit partial admissions, he acknowledged guilt for aggravated assault and reckless behaviour. The defendant also admitted to lesser charges including excessive speeding while driving.
A Life in the Public Eye Since Childhood
During his testimony, Høiby became visibly emotional, describing how difficult he found addressing a courtroom packed with journalists and observers. "I have been surrounded by the press since I was three. I have been harassed ever since," he stated, explaining that he had received "heavy medication" and would endeavour to perform his best in the judicial setting.
The defendant attributed his behavioural patterns to his unusual upbringing, stating: "I am known as the son of Mummy, which means I have an extreme need for affirmation. A lot of sex, a lot of alcohol." He elaborated further, suggesting that few people could truly comprehend his life experiences: "Few can relate to the life I have led. A lot of parties, alcohol, some drugs."
Contested Video Evidence at Heart of Case
Central to the prosecution's case are video recordings allegedly found on Høiby's telephone. Among the charges against him are one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which prosecutors claim were captured on his mobile device.
Wednesday's testimony specifically focused on an after-party that took place in the basement of the Crown Prince's family residence on Oslo's outskirts in 2018. Prosecutors allege that Høiby filmed himself performing a sexual act on a woman who was unconscious at the time. Police presented this video evidence to the court behind closed doors on Tuesday.
Høiby firmly rejected these allegations during his testimony: "If I had thought I had material that showed an assault, I would never have kept that material." He acknowledged having sexual relations with the woman but denied performing a second act while she was unconscious or filming such an incident. "We had completely normal sex, as far as I can remember," he stated. "Afterwards, I told her to go. So I called her a taxi. I don't have sex with people who are not awake."
Alleged Victim's Testimony Contradicts Defendant's Account
Earlier on Wednesday, the alleged victim, whose identity remains protected for privacy reasons, testified that she only became aware of the alleged rape when police contacted her regarding the video evidence. She stated unequivocally that she had not consented to the sexual act that was recorded. Prosecutors maintain that the woman was not in a position to provide consent during the incident in question.
Norwegian Monarchy Faces Multiple Challenges
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of significant challenges facing Norway's royal family. In addition to Høiby's legal proceedings, Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces renewed scrutiny regarding her connections to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The royal palace confirmed on Wednesday that Mette-Marit had postponed a planned private trip abroad indefinitely, though no further details were provided.
Recent opinion polling indicates shifting public sentiment toward the monarchy. A survey conducted on Monday for the daily newspaper Verdens Gang revealed that support for retaining the monarchy has declined to 61% from 72% last year, while those favouring a republic increased by ten percentage points to 27%.
The royal family contends with additional difficulties:
- King Harald, Europe's oldest living monarch at 88, reduced his official activities in 2024 following hospitalisation for infection treatment and subsequent pacemaker implantation
- Crown Princess Mette-Marit requires a lung transplant after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic condition causing lung scarring
- Princess Martha Louise, King Harald's daughter, stepped back from official royal duties in 2022 to pursue business ventures alongside her American husband, a self-described shaman
Princess Martha Louise and her spouse faced criticism last year for participating in a Netflix documentary chronicling their daily lives and wedding, and for making comments perceived as critical of the king and queen.
Høiby's trial is scheduled to continue until March 19, with proceedings expected to maintain intense public and media interest throughout its duration. The case represents one of the most significant legal challenges involving European royalty in recent years, combining serious criminal allegations with the complex dynamics of life within a modern monarchy.
