What's happened
Norway's royal family faces a major crisis as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, stands trial on 38 charges including rape and domestic violence. The case follows revelations of her ties to Jeffrey Epstein and has impacted public support for the monarchy, though most Norwegians still favor its continuation. The trial is ongoing today, February 10, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The Norwegian royal family is navigating a complex crisis that combines legal, moral, and political challenges. The trial of Hoiby exposes deep-seated issues of public trust and the royal family’s ability to maintain its reputation. The fact that Hoiby, who has no official royal duties, is facing serious criminal charges, underscores the potential long-term impact on the monarchy’s legitimacy. The case also highlights how personal scandals—such as Mette-Marit's past ties to Epstein—can ripple into broader questions about royal accountability and relevance. The public’s support remains fragile; while polls show a majority still favor the monarchy, the decline from previous years indicates growing discontent. The royal family’s continued official duties, including King Harald’s hospital visits and participation in upcoming events, suggest an attempt to stabilize the institution. However, the ongoing trial and associated controversies will likely influence public opinion and political discourse in Norway for months to come.
How we got here
The trial of Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, began in early February 2026. He faces 38 charges, including rape and filming women without consent, amid ongoing scrutiny of his mother’s past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The case has coincided with declining public support for the monarchy, which remains the preferred form of government for most Norwegians despite the controversy.
Our analysis
The New York Times reports that the trial has deeply shaken the royal family, with most Norwegians still supporting the monarchy despite the controversy. The article highlights the public’s mixed reactions, noting that 44% see Mette-Marit as unfit to become queen, yet most prefer to keep the monarchy. Reuters emphasizes Hoiby’s emotional testimony and the serious nature of the charges, including filmed acts of sexual assault. The coverage also notes the decline in support for the monarchy, with polls showing a drop to 61% favorability, and discusses the broader context of the royal family’s health issues and recent controversies involving other members like Martha Louise. The NY Post focuses on Hoiby’s personal struggles, his tearful courtroom testimony, and the impact of his legal issues on the royal family’s reputation, illustrating the intense media scrutiny and public concern. Across sources, the narrative underscores the profound challenge this case presents to Norway’s royal institution, with some outlets highlighting the potential for long-term damage if public confidence continues to erode.
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Norway - Country in Europe
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe whose mainland territory comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula; Mainland Norway and the remote island of Jan Mayen as well as the archi
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Jeffrey Epstein - American financier
Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway - Heir apparent
Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway is the only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and heir apparent to the throne of Norway. In 2001, Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby with whom he has two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnu