The Night Before the Crown Princess's Birthday Brought Devastating News

In mid-August 2025, Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrated her 52nd birthday. Following tradition, the royal family released new portrait photos to honor the future queen. However, the day before her birthday, her eldest son Marius Borg Høiby was formally indicted by Norwegian prosecutors on 32 criminal charges.

The details disclosed in the indictment were shocking: Høiby allegedly sexually assaulted multiple women while they slept and took intimate photographs without consent. Prosecutors explicitly stated that if convicted, Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison.

Facing public scrutiny, the Norwegian royal family maintained extreme restraint, responding only briefly through a spokesperson: "This matter will be tried and decided by the courts." Historians have called this crisis "the greatest crisis facing the monarchy since Norway's independence in 1905."

From Flower Boy to Criminal Suspect

Høiby's story began with an "extraordinary union." In 2001, 28-year-old Mette-Marit—a former single mother and waitress who frequented Oslo's rock party scene—married Crown Prince Haakon at Oslo Cathedral. Four-year-old Høiby appeared as a flower boy at that globally watched wedding.

At the time, outsiders questioned whether the Crown Princess was "worthy of the royal family." Mette-Marit candidly admitted at a pre-wedding press conference: "My youthful rebellion was stronger than others, which made my life wild, and I paid a price for it." King Harald publicly expressed support, praising his daughter-in-law's qualities and emphasizing that Høiby "would become an official member of the family."

However, Høiby, who grew up in the royal environment, never found a stable direction. He went to the United States to study business but dropped out after the first semester. After returning home, he frequently changed jobs, trying positions in app sales and motorcycle repair. Tall, sturdy, and blonde, he cultivated a "bad boy" image with earrings, rings, and tattoos, the most prominent being "1997"—his birth year.

In 2017, 20-year-old Høiby was caught with cocaine at a music festival and fined 4,000 kroner. Subsequently, he came under police scrutiny due to his association with drug dealers and violent behavior in relationships. Outsiders quickly drew connections to his biological father, Morten Borg—a figure who was imprisoned twice for drug-related crimes in the 1990s.

A Pattern of Violence Behind 32 Charges

The cases disclosed by prosecutors span from 2018 to 2024, with one victim being Høiby's ex-girlfriend, Norwegian reality TV star Nora Haukland. Prosecutors claim she endured long-term physical abuse and psychological torment from Høiby.

Besides rape charges, Høiby faces accusations of domestic violence, death threats, property damage, and violating restraining orders. Even more shocking, one case occurred after police had already launched an investigation. Prosecutor Stura Henrikbo stated that investigators have obtained substantial video and photographic evidence.

In August 2024, Høiby was first arrested for assaulting another ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Helberg Arntzen, causing her to be hospitalized with a concussion. He was subsequently detained twice more for violating restraining orders and rape allegations. After his release, he was reported to have gone to London for drug rehabilitation treatment. In a public statement, Høiby admitted he had been under the long-term influence of alcohol and drugs and suffered from mental health issues.

Høiby's lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, stated that Høiby denies the most serious charges and plans to plead guilty to some lesser offenses when the formal trial begins in January 2026. Prosecutors emphasized that Høiby will not receive any special treatment due to his connection to the royal family.

More Than One Scandal

The Høiby case is just the tip of the iceberg in the Norwegian royal family's recent crises.

In 2024, King Harald's eldest daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, held a lavish wedding with American "shaman" Durek Verrett in Geiranger, a famous Norwegian fjord location. Verrett claims to be a sixth-generation shaman who can communicate with the spirit world and sells expensive amulets, even claiming he can "save lives." This sparked uproar in Norwegian society, with mainstream media denouncing him as a "charlatan."

Princess Märtha Louise herself has been equally controversial. She claims to have clairvoyant abilities and can communicate with angels, and has long used her "princess" title for commercial activities. In 2019, the royal family had to establish rules explicitly prohibiting her from promoting mediumship and spiritualism businesses using her "princess" status. In 2022, she announced she would relinquish her remaining royal duties to pursue alternative medicine. For her wedding, she signed exclusive agreements with Hello! magazine and Netflix, further angering critics: "The royal family is not a traffic tool to be bought and sold."

In 2025, 19-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra, second in line to the throne, chose to study in Australia. Just one week after arriving, she sparked controversy for participating in ordinary student activities like boat parties and aquarium visits. A few photos holding drinks earned her the label "party princess."

Crown Princess Mette-Marit admitted in a late-2024 interview with Norwegian National Broadcasting: "The past year has been full of challenges and very difficult for us."

From National Symbol to Trust Crisis

Norwegian historian and royal commentator Ole Jørgen Schultz-Hansen notes that Norway's monarchy has been closely tied to democratic traditions from the beginning. After Norway's independence in 1905, Danish Prince Carl insisted on holding a national referendum to confirm his legitimacy before accepting the Norwegian throne. Ultimately, he won public support with 78.9% approval, changed his name to Haakon VII, and became the first king of the newly independent nation.

This tradition reached its peak during World War II. Facing Nazi occupation, Haakon VII refused to surrender and resolutely went into exile in Britain, becoming a symbol of the nation's resistance spirit. For decades afterward, the Norwegian royal family presented itself with a pragmatic, modest posture, without a large court structure or many "professional" royal members. Until the early 21st century, the royal family's support rate remained around 80%.

King Harald V, who has reigned since 1991 for over thirty years, has presided over what is widely regarded as Norway's most stable and prosperous period. King Harald and royal family members frequently appear in public and often play a unifying role during national crises. After the "7/22 terrorist attacks" in 2011, King Harald and the Crown Prince couple's memorial activities became an important moment of national unity.

However, the latest polls cited by The Times show that overall support for the Norwegian royal family is rapidly declining. Royal experts warn this may be the greatest crisis the monarchy has faced since Norway's independence in 1905.

The Future of the Monarchy [AI Analysis]

The Høiby case trial is expected to formally begin in January 2026, and the judicial proceedings could last several months. Regardless of the outcome, the Norwegian royal family will face profound reflection.

Historian Trond Norén Isaksen points out: "To maintain the integrity and reputation of the monarchy, the royal family must distance itself from controversial figures." This refers not only to Høiby but also to Princess Märtha Louise. Calls to strip Louise of her royal title are growing louder.

For the younger generation of royals, finding a balance between maintaining an approachable image and upholding institutional dignity will be a key challenge. Royal affairs experts warn that if the media is allowed to define the narrative, Princess Ingrid's three years of study abroad could be reduced to a series of party photos.

Schultz-Hansen notes: "Despite frequent scandals and declining support, the Norwegian monarchy is still seen by many as an important symbol of national unity and identity." But he also emphasizes that this traditional advantage is facing unprecedented challenges.

Whether the Norwegian royal family can weather this century's greatest trust crisis depends on whether it can find a new balance between traditional values and modern societal expectations. For Crown Princess Mette-Marit, this is not only a personal family tragedy but also a severe test of the entire monarchical institution.