The Norwegian monarchy is facing a crisis of public trust, driven by revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the conviction of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, for multiple offences including rape. The institution, once held in high regard, has seen its popularity decline sharply.
Marius Borg Høiby, the crown princess’s son from a previous relationship, was convicted on Monday of 34 out of 40 charges, including domestic abuse and two counts of rape. He was sentenced to four years in prison; his lawyers have lodged an appeal. The palace declined to comment on the verdict.
Separately, Mette-Marit’s past contact with Epstein has come under scrutiny. Emails revealed a closer relationship than initially admitted, including visits to his Palm Beach home and discussions of literature. In a March interview, she expressed regret, stating she was manipulated by Epstein and ended contact in 2014. However, 68% of Norwegians found her explanations insufficient.
The crown princess underwent a successful lung transplant this week after her pulmonary fibrosis deteriorated. The news prompted an outpouring of sympathy and a surge in organ donor registrations.
Public confidence in the monarchy has waned, with one in three Norwegians now believing King Harald V should be the last monarch. The royal family, once seen as embodying the nation’s values of equality and humility, has struggled to maintain its image amid these crises.
