Oslo, Norway – The son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, is standing trial on charges including rape and assault, a case that has drawn intense scrutiny to the royal family and sparked a public debate about accountability and access to help for those struggling with addiction.
Høiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to the most serious offenses, including allegations of rape, at the opening of the trial on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, according to reports. He faces up to 16 years in prison if convicted.
The trial comes amid renewed attention on the Norwegian royal family following the release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department revealing Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Nora Haukland, an influencer and television personality who was in a relationship with Høiby between 2022 and 2023, is the sole named alleged victim providing testimony in the Oslo district court. She has detailed instances of alleged abuse during their relationship, including being punched in the face and frequently having her throat grabbed.
During her testimony on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Haukland recounted an incident where she said Høiby hit her in the jaw and lip. “I just remember falling to the ground and curling up, then he kicked me in the back and kept shouting,” she added. An audio recording from that day, played in court, featured Høiby calling her a “fucking lying whore,” causing Haukland to break down in tears, as reported by The Guardian.
Haukland also described an alleged incident in April 2023 where she stated she was held by the neck and pushed against a refrigerator, though she admitted to not recalling the incident specifically, according to police witness statements.
The case has also brought to light concerns about the support offered to Høiby by his parents. Haukland testified that she pleaded with Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit to help Høiby gain into rehab, according to SVT Nyheter. She claimed she told them, “You need to help him, don’t you see he needs help?” to which they reportedly responded, “You don’t need to take responsibility for this.” She further stated she urged them to “do something” and “send him to rehab,” but felt they did not take her concerns seriously. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has previously denied such claims.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, and the outcome could have significant implications for both Høiby and the Norwegian royal family. The case underscores the complexities of navigating personal struggles within the public eye and the challenges faced by families dealing with addiction and allegations of criminal behavior.
