Oslo, Norway – The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, 29, entered its third week at Oslo District Court on Monday, February 23, 2026, with new details emerging regarding a potential child, whereas harrowing accounts of alleged domestic violence continue to surface. The case, which has gripped Norway, centers on 38 charges against Høiby, including four counts of rape and assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty on the most serious offenses.
During Friday’s court session, a friend of one of the alleged victims testified that Høiby spoke about his personal life and showed photos of a son. “He told things about how he had a hard childhood and told me about his son and showed me pictures of him, and things that gave me confidence,” the witness stated, according to reports. Norwegian media note that the friend was not present at the party where one of the alleged rapes occurred, and was instead recounting conversations with the alleged victim the following day.
Royal Family Remains Silent
The Royal Palace in Oslo has offered a limited response to the developing situation, stating that questions regarding Høiby should be directed to him personally. “Questions about the claim presented in court should be directed to Marius Borg Høiby. We do not speak on his behalf,” said Guri Varpe, a spokesperson for the royal family.
Høiby’s legal team has reiterated that they have no information regarding a child and cautioned against the spread of rumors. Both the alleged victim and her friend declined to comment further, referring only to their testimony in court. The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has likewise not commented on whether the potential paternity would affect its risk assessment regarding the royal family.
Høiby previously denied having any children when questioned about the matter during the proceedings. The publication VG, which first reported the information, emphasizes that there has been no external confirmation of the alleged son’s existence.
Alongside the questions surrounding potential fatherhood, the trial has revisited allegations of domestic violence stemming from Høiby’s relationship with influencer and television personality Nora Haukland. Haukland testified that she was subjected to physical abuse, including being held by the throat and struck in the face. “He didn’t really want me to do anything. I reckon he wanted to keep me in a position of powerlessness,” she said, describing how her former partner allegedly attempted to control her professional and personal choices.
Following the conclude of the relationship, Haukland testified that she attempted to seek help for Høiby, even appealing to Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon, but her efforts were unsuccessful. “Marius goes into the shower and I am there with his mother and with Haakon, and I just collapse and say: ‘Now you have to help him, can’t you notice he needs help?’” she recounted.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with Høiby expected to continue his testimony and respond to questions about his personal life and the alleged assaults. The combination of the potential paternity revelation and the accounts of domestic violence are maintaining intense media scrutiny, testing the Norwegian royal family and press’s ability to navigate a high-profile crisis. The ongoing case is likely to fuel further debate about the scrutiny faced by public figures and the complexities of navigating personal struggles within the context of royal life.
