Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Family Faces Scrutiny Amid Court Trial

The Norwegian royal family is under intense scrutiny as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces serious allegations in a trial that began earlier this week in Oslo. Høiby, aged 29, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including rape. This trial is expected to last seven weeks, bringing renewed attention to the royal family, particularly following revelations regarding Mette-Marit’s past connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Royal Family Background

The royal lineage in Norway stretches back over 1,100 years, with King Harald V, aged 88, at its helm. As a member of the House of Glücksburg, King Harald holds no political power, reflecting a common trend among European monarchies. He is related to other European royals, including King Charles III of the UK and King Felipe VI of Spain, all descendants of Queen Victoria.

King Harald married commoner Sonja Haraldsen in 1968. Their son, Prince Haakon, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who married in 2001, have two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. A significant change in the Norwegian Constitution in 1990 allows the firstborn child, regardless of gender, to inherit the throne, positioning Princess Ingrid Alexandra as the future queen.

Trial Developments and Family Response

On the second day of the trial, Høiby took the stand and became emotional, reportedly shedding tears and expressing frustration over the media’s persistent focus on his life since childhood. The royal family has chosen to remain silent during the proceedings, issuing a statement emphasizing that although Høiby is not an official member of the royal house, he remains an important family member.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has recently faced renewed criticism regarding her past interactions with Epstein. Following the release of previously confidential documents, she acknowledged her failure to adequately investigate Epstein’s background and expressed remorse for any association. In a statement, she conveyed her “deep sympathy and solidarity” for Epstein’s victims, calling the situation “embarrassing.”

The documents revealed that in November 2012, Mette-Marit had communicated with Epstein, asking if it was inappropriate for her to suggest wallpaper for her son’s room featuring “two naked women carrying a surfboard.” Epstein’s response indicated he believed it was a matter for the mother and child to decide.

Following these disclosures, public sentiment towards the royal family has shifted. A recent poll conducted by Norstat for Dagbladet and NRK indicated a marked decline in support for the monarchy, with only two-thirds of respondents favoring it as a governmental structure, down from nearly three-fourths last August.

The royal family’s popularity has historically been robust, with many viewing King Harald as a grandfatherly figure. However, the series of events surrounding Høiby and the Epstein documents have led to a period of reflection among the public. Student Gustav Onarheim stated, “I like the king, but with Høiby and the newly released Epstein files, it’s so much to think about.”

As the trial continues, Mette-Marit has postponed upcoming public engagements, citing health concerns related to her ongoing battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition diagnosed in 2018. Reports indicate that she has experienced a “clear worsening” of her health, prompting discussions about the possibility of a lung transplant.

The royal family’s future will likely depend on the outcomes of Høiby’s trial and the public’s ongoing response to these unfolding events.