Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon (52) and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (52), are staying away from the start of the court case against Marius Borg Høiby (29) next week.
January 28, 2026, 12:39 p.mJanuary 28, 2026, 12:39 p.m
The Crown Princess’ son is charged with 38 counts – including rape, abuse in close relationships and bodily harm.
“We have decided not to be present in the courtroom and not to comment on the trial,” Crown Prince Haakon told Norwegian television. Of course he and his wife would still follow the proceedings. Mette-Marit had planned a private trip.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit is planning a private trip
In the summer of 2024, Høiby admitted that he had become violent towards his then-girlfriend under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and that he had destroyed things in her apartment. Above all, he firmly denies the allegations of sexual offenses, one of his defense lawyers later said.
The Norwegian Crown Prince couple Haakon and Mette-Marit with their daughter Ingrid Alexdra. Image: keystone
“Of course we think a lot about everyone affected in the case,” Crown Prince Haakon told broadcaster NRK. “I know that many people are having a hard time right now.” He has confidence that the court hearing will be “orderly and fair”.
“Marius Borg Høiby is not part of the royal family, but he is an important part of our family and a citizen of Norway,” Crown Prince Haakon continued. “That’s why he has the same responsibility as everyone else, but also the same rights.” The trial is initially scheduled to last 24 days until March 13th.
Marius Borg Hoiby.Image: keystone
Høiby comes from a previous relationship of the Crown Princess. Together with heir to the throne Haakon, Mette-Marit has two other children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22) and Prince Sverre Magnus (20). Although Høiby belongs to the royal family, he does not have the title of prince and is not an official member of the Norwegian royal family. (lak/sda/dpa)