Crown and Controversy Norway - The Trial of Marius Borg Høiby

A dramatic day in the Oslo courtroom brings explosive new details in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby. Judges refuse to release him from pre-trial detention, citing fears he could commit new crimes if freed. A close friend of the so-called “Frogner woman” delivers emotional testimony describing alleged violence, a shattered apartment, and a relationship marked by fear and reconciliation. Prosecutors introduce text messages filled with fury, jealousy, and threats, while new video evidence captures shouting from inside the building. Under questioning, Høiby admits he lied in earlier police interviews. As the sixth week of testimony unfolds, the prosec...

There was no court session Monday in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, but the case still produced major developments as the proceedings enter their sixth week.

Høiby’s defense team has formally asked Oslo District Court to release him from custody after five 
weeks of detention. His lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, confirmed that a petition requesting his release has been submitted.

Prosecutors oppose the move. Police prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski said authorities have reviewed the request and will not support releasing Høiby voluntarily, meaning the court will now decide the matter without...

As the trial of Marius Borg Høiby continues to dominate headlines in Norway, attention is increasingly turning to the wider implications for the royal family — particularly Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

A regional scouting organization has now called for her suspension as patron, arguing that institutions connected to the monarchy must reconsider their ties while the case involving her son unfolds. At the same time, renewed scrutiny has fallen on the timing of a December press conference announcing that Mette-Marit’s lung disease had progressed to the point that doctors were discussing a potential transplant — a date that coincided with th...

Trial week 5: Frogner woman testifies for first time. New Feb 1 indictment (reckless conduct, restraining order breach during trial). Witness possibly tried to influence her, police investigation opened. Sophie Elise: "pose photo" not intentional. Oslo Scene witness: "no doubt he went for a chokehold." Messages: "You have to choose. Me or Farmen." NRK faces 400,000 kroner fine.

Frogner woman: "didn't start with violence," "jet-set guy who partied every weekend, used drugs, had criminal friends." Berlin: glass thrown into wall. Laptop broken in two. Skaugum: raised fist, punched glass door. Boat trip: spit in face, slapped. August 4: grabbed neck, chokeholds, slaps...

The fifth week of the trial of Marius Borg Høiby ended with dramatic testimony about the violent confrontation on August 4, 2024 — the incident that triggered the police investigation and the sweeping indictment now before the Oslo court.

Taking the stand, Høiby disputed parts of the Frogner woman’s account but admitted key elements of the fight. “I remember that I slapped her,” he told the court. “And I remember that I took her by the throat.” He acknowledged shouting insults, smashing items in the apartment and sending a threatening message to a man he believed she had been with.

A pivotal day in Oslo District Court as Marius Borg Høiby took the stand to respond directly to the testimony of the woman known as the “Frogner woman,” who is connected to many of the charges against him. Høiby told the court he did not recognize much of her account, saying, “I felt that a lot was exaggerated, and some of it simply wasn’t true.”

During hours of testimony he acknowledged several incidents, including spitting in her face during an argument, breaking her laptop — “I took the laptop and snapped it in two” — and taking an intimate image wi...

One of the most consequential phases of the Marius Borg Høiby trial is now underway as the woman known in Norwegian media as the “Frogner woman” begins two days of testimony. She is connected to twenty of the forty criminal counts in the case.

In emotional evidence, she told the court the relationship did not begin with violence but gradually escalated from jealousy, drugs and insecurity. She described arguments in Berlin and Norway where objects were smashed, alleged incidents of filming without consent, and a volatile relationship she called “like a roller coaster.”

The court also hear...

Dramatic developments in Oslo District Court as prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø announces a new additional indictment against Marius Borg Høiby — alleging reckless conduct and breach of a restraining order involving the so-called Frogner woman just days before trial began.
According to the indictment, Høiby is accused of calling her an “unfaithful whore,” breaking his phone, grabbing her as she tried to leave, and later sitting beside her with a knife while threatening to harm himself. He acknowledges criminal responsibility for the reckless conduct and restraining order breach. His defence says: “He has always acknowledged that. There is nothing new here.”<...

uesday’s proceedings in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby shifted from live witnesses to the documentary core of the case.

A close friend of Nora Haukland told the court she “quickly got a feeling that something was not right,” describing an incident where he was “very angry” and an alleged chokehold that left her “very scared.”Neighbours testified about a night of intense noise — “Shit is going down next door” — and said they later saw visible injuries

.The afternoon was dominated by hundreds of text messages, moving from “You are my dream woman” to “You were violent today,” alon...

The Høiby trial barrels into its most explosive stretch as a new complainant prepares to testify and her lawyer raises concerns about possible witness influence behind the scenes. Prosecutors continue their marathon reading of private messages they say reveal a cycle of tension and reconciliation, while the court scrambles to stay on schedule. With Høiby set to return to the stand and a psychiatric report looming, this week could redefine the case.

Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. Wh...

Trial week 4 focuses on Nora Haukland domestic abuse charge. Police officer Mina Bankerud explains "wheel of violence": tension, conflict, honeymoon phase. Messages show cycle: apologies ("I'm sorry for being an idiot") followed by conflict. "Pose photo" controversy: Haukland holding white powder. Høiby: "PR strategy from end to end. It's Norway's biggest influencer." Emotional about Crown Prince/Princess portrayal: "I can't f---ing understand it. Mum and Haakon haven't done anything other than be the world's kindest."

Høiby admits anger problem: "I've had it since I was little." Lost 95% of friends: "No one wants to be seen with me...

Week four ends with the Høiby trial now firmly centered on the close-relationship abuse charge involving Nora Haukland. Police read extensive message exchanges and explain the “wheel of violence,” while witnesses describe frequent arguments, alleged control, and what they say Haukland told them during the relationship. A friend of both parties, Danby Choi, says he saw shouting but no physical violence, while other witnesses recount emotional disclosures and a confrontation that spilled into open conflict in court. Procedurally, detention continues past Monday, a restraining order is extended, and next week’s timetable expands as the case falls behind, with the Fro...

A controversial “pose photo” posted by Sophie Elise Isachsen becomes central to the trial as Marius Borg Høiby claims it was deliberate PR, not an accident, and describes it as a crisis for his family. In court, he admits smashing phones, throwing one “into a thousand pieces,” and having a long-standing anger problem, but denies strangulation and assault allegations tied to the Alta incident. Jurors hear audio in which he shouts abuse and says, “I grabbed you really f---ing hard,” while Nora Haukland is heard pleading, “Don’t strangle me.” Høiby insists the relationship was mutually volatile, says he feels “extremely...

King Harald, 89, is hospitalized in Tenerife with infection and dehydration, prompting a palace update and fresh questions about succession, with Crown Prince Haakon next in line and Mette-Marit’s role poised to shift instantly if required.

In Oslo District Court, Marius Borg Høiby grows emotional as he disputes Nora Haukland’s abuse allegations, admits heavy drinking and pushing incidents, but denies strangulation and key elements of her account as prosecutors move chronologically through the indictment.

The trial is now behind schedule with high-profile witnesses expected.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland is hospit...

Week four of the trial of Marius Borg Høiby took a dramatic turn in Oslo District Court as Nora Haukland continued her testimony — including graphic audio played in court — before Høiby returned to the stand to deny violence and reject what he called a relationship he does not recognize.

We'll leave the details out of the epsiode description as some are graphic.

Proceedings adjourned with Høiby set to continue testimony tomorrow.

Meanwhile, King Harald marked his eighty-ninth birthday with a tightly framed photo featuring only himself, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid...

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby has moved into a critical new phase, focusing on the charge of mishandling in a close relationship involving Nora Haukland. Under Norwegian law, prosecutors must prove not isolated incidents but a sustained “regime of violence or intimidation.”This week, the court is reviewing an extensive archive of messages between the two to determine whether the relationship was defined by fear and control, as prosecutors argue, or whether the defence can show a different dynamic.

Outside the courtroom, Norwegian media are debating coverage intensity after more than ten thousand domestic articles in the p...

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has returned Norway’s Order of St. Olav, one of the country’s highest royal honours, according to the Norwegian Royal Palace. The palace confirmed only that he “has chosen to return his order,” offering no further explanation under confidentiality rules.

Meanwhile in Oslo, the trial of Marius Borg Høiby continues this week, with Nora Haukland expected to complete her testimony before Høiby gives his account on the charges relating to her.

At the same time, Norway’s Royal Palace has moved to shut down speculation that Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health announcement w...

Father of victim testifies: "Anger. A lot of anger from me toward Marius Borg Høiby. I am a father, plain and simple. It is biology — we are born with a protective instinct." Daughter told him she met "the prince," then police showed her videos: "She was in shock." Hotel victim testimony: 27 videos recovered, "He would never finish. He wouldn't stop. I was afraid." Videos stored at Royal Palace address Slottsplassen 1.

Høiby activated Private Photo Vault subscription 2 hours after alleged assault. Høiby confirms filming 27 videos: "I simply like recording sexual encounters, watch material later instead of porno...

Influencer and former Love Island Norway contestant Nora Haukland delivered harrowing testimony in Oslo District Court, describing what prosecutors call a “regime of fear” during her relationship with Marius Borg Høiby. Høiby denies criminal guilt.

Haukland told the court she was pushed onto a sofa at Skaugum, grabbed by the throat, slapped and screamed at. “All I see in his eyes is just hate,” she said, recounting moments where she felt herself “black out.” She described being called vile names, threatened, and pinned against walls, and spoke about repeated denial that left her questioning her own reality. “In t...

Thursday’s session in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby marked a decisive shift as the defendant gave his own detailed account of the November 2024 hotel encounter at the center of one of the rape charges. Høiby acknowledged that he filmed 27 videos found on his phone from that night and admitted he did not explicitly ask for permission to record, but insisted there was “no doubt” the woman knew she was being filmed. He rejected the allegation of rape, maintaining that the sex was voluntary and based on mutual chemistry, and said he has never shared the recordings.

Day ten of the trial of Marius Borg Høiby brought powerful testimony from a new complainant who alleges she was assaulted at a Forenom apart-hotel in Oslo in November 2024. She told the court the evening began with a flirtatious after-party atmosphere following an Aqua concert but ended in fear, confusion and panic. Both sides agree there was consensual sex shortly after arriving at the hotel. The dispute centers on what happened after she says she told him she wanted to sleep.

The woman testified that she woke repeatedly to being touched while asleep and described seeing what s...

The Marius Borg Høiby rape trial continued in Oslo District Court with testimony from a victim's father, a sleep researcher, and multiple witnesses. Prosecutors presented evidence that Høiby activated an encrypted photo vault app hours after the alleged assault, with billing tied to Slottsplassen 1 — the Norwegian Royal Palace. Sleep expert Ståle Pallesen explained how sleep deprivation and medication could impair a victim's awareness. Day 10 will feature the fourth and final complainant. 

Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we hav...

Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces mounting international scrutiny as German media coverage of the Epstein revelations and the criminal trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, intensifies. A Berlin-based journalist claims her reputation in Germany is “completely destroyed,” while the rest of the Norwegian royal family continues official duties abroad, leaving the Crown Princess at Skaugum.

Defence lawyer Ellen Holager Andenæs sharply criticises the armed police operation that led to Høiby’s 2024 arrest, calling it disproportionate, while prosecutors defend both the arrest and their public handling of the indictment.

An opinion piece in Finansavisen argues th...

Marius Borg Høiby returned to the witness stand on Friday in Oslo District Court as the trial continued to focus on sharply different accounts of the same night. Both sides agree there was consensual sex earlier in the evening, but prosecutors allege that further sexual activity and filming took place after the woman had fallen asleep. Five videos recovered from his phone have become central to the case. Høiby disputes the prosecution’s interpretation, saying he did not understand that she was asleep and denying any criminal intent. Evidence about heavy intoxication and drug use at the party has...

Princess Ingrid Alexandra Instagram post to 800 followers: "I'm going crazy. When is enough?" Expert: "Family undoubtedly under pressure, but lot of it self-inflicted by her mother and half-brother." Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologizes to "especially the King and Queen"—"some content of messages does not represent person I want to be." Crown Prince Haakon: "I have to make sure to take care of the Crown Princess" who's "not allowed" to speak yet, "needs time to gather herself."

Deep Crown: "Ingrid Alexandra posting would simply never happen here. Mette-Marit's public apologies would also not happen. Norwegians believe transparency equals relatability. Wh...

Marius Borg Høiby returned to the witness stand in Oslo District Court and shifted a key detail of his account, now saying he had sex twice — not once — with a woman who alleges she was later assaulted and filmed while asleep. Høiby denied noticing that she fell asleep and insisted he believed she would have objected to being recorded. Five hidden videos, drug use at the party and his admission that he “regretted it like hell” became central themes as prosecutors and defense presented sharply conflicting versions of the same night. The trial continues, with Høiby denying criminal re...

Another intense day unfolded in Oslo District Court as the trial of Marius Borg Høiby continued, with witness testimony detailing tensions at the Lofoten after-party where prosecutors allege the most serious rape charge occurred. Guests described a shift in Høiby’s demeanor as the night progressed, with claims he became dominant, pushed alcohol, and created an uncomfortable atmosphere. A defense witness testified he heard what he believed were consensual sounds through a shared wall and was “shocked” by the charges.

The court also heard expert analysis of pulse-watch sleep data from a University of Bergen researcher, who test...

Marius Borg Høiby faced intense questioning in Oslo as prosecutors pressed him over late-night texts, a five-second intimate video, and smartwatch data they say shows the complainant was in deep sleep during the alleged assault. Høiby insists the sex was consensual, calling key moments “situational” and dismissing crude messages as “locker-room talk,” while witnesses described him as heavily intoxicated and “dominant.”

Meanwhile, a separate storm engulfs the palace as newly released Epstein emails show Crown Princess Mette-Marit Googled the disgraced financier years after his conviction and maintained warm contact. With a rape trial unfolding and republican anger rising...

A woman from Lofoten gives closed-door testimony in Oslo District Court, alleging she woke to Marius Borg Høiby having sex with her while she was asleep during a trip in October 2023.

Prosecutors say smartwatch data and a short video found on Høiby’s phone support claims she was unconscious, while the defence insists the encounter was consensual. Høiby, testifying under medication and visible strain, denies ever having sex with a sleeping partner as the trial continues to intensify pressure on Norway’s royal family.

Content warning on today's episode.

Portions of this pr...

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit make multiple visits to Marius Borg Høiby behind bars as his rape trial grinds on, raising questions about access and optics. At the same time, Princess Ingrid Alexandra retreats abroad after blasting “personal attacks” on Instagram, while Epstein-linked scandals widen with a Norwegian ambassador’s resignation. Norway’s once low-drama monarchy is now under sustained pressure at home and abroad.

Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken care to reflect the repor...

Norway’s royal crisis deepens as Princess Ingrid Alexandra breaks royal protocol with an emotional Instagram post saying she’s “going crazy” amid relentless personal attacks. Her message lands as Crown Princess Mette-Marit issues yet another apology over her Epstein ties, admitting regret and acknowledging that parts of their correspondence do not reflect the person she wants to be. Crown Prince Haakon steps in to shield his family, saying his focus is “taking care of the flock,” while critics warn the family’s transparency is eroding trust rather than restoring it. Parliament moves to reaffirm the monarchy, but support is slipping, repu...

It’s a brutal week for royal men with too much privilege and not enough purpose. As Prince Andrew is quietly shoved out of Windsor under cover of darkness, Norway’s royal family finds itself engulfed in a scandal that makes Britain’s York mess look familiar. Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing four rape charges and dozens of other allegations, triggering a national reckoning over entitlement, power, and unchecked behaviour. Commentators draw chilling parallels between Andrew and Høiby, arguing that royal indulgence, moral vacuum, and lack of accountability lead to predictable disaster. Meanwhil...

Marius Borg Høiby trial begins—38 charges including 4 rape counts. Pleads not guilty to rape, admits drug offences including 3.5kg marijuana transport, restraining order violations. Arrested again Sunday before trial for new assault/knife threats—begins trial in custody. First victim testifies believes she was drugged at 2018 after-party in Høiby's parents' basement—"completely unconscious, doesn't even look like I'm breathing." Videos found on his phone allegedly showing assault, later moved to hidden app.

Høiby denies drugging anyone but acknowledges knowing about ketamine, could "probably have obtained" incapacitating drugs. Høiby breaks down crying on stand—"extreme need for rec...

Norway’s royal crisis deepens as Marius Borg Høiby returned to court and denied drugging a woman who says she blacked out before an alleged 2018 assault at the Crown Prince family’s residence. Prosecutors pushed on his knowledge of incapacitating drugs, and Høiby conceded he knows what they are and could probably get them, but insisted he has never used them on anyone.

The court also heard about Høiby’s phone: prosecutors highlighted searches including “rape,” and evidence about files allegedly moved into a separate app that experts say must be deliberately downloaded and is commonly used...

The Marius Borg Høiby trial took a grim turn as the first woman to testify told the Oslo court she felt “betrayal and shock” after police showed her videos they say depict sexual assault while she was incapacitated. She said she has a “big black hole” in her memory after a brief consensual encounter and told judges she believes she may have been drugged, adding she looked “completely unconscious” in the footage.

Høiby denies four rape counts but admits several other charges and says the encounters were consensual. He also broke down in court, describing an “extreme need for...

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby has collided head-on with a separate scandal engulfing Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, creating a dual crisis for the monarchy. As Høiby faces multiple rape charges and dozens of other criminal allegations, newly released United States justice department files have revealed extensive past contact between the crown princess and Jeffrey Epstein.

Mette-Marit has admitted showing “poor judgment,” apologising for years of contact with Epstein well after his conviction, including email exchanges and a stay at his Palm Beach home. Norwegian political leaders and royal commentators are now demanding fuller explanations, warning...

The criminal trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, gets underway in Oslo as Norway’s royal family faces an unprecedented convergence of legal and reputational pressure.

Høiby, 29, is due before the Oslo District Court on a sweeping charge sheet that includes 38 alleged offences, among them four counts of rape, along with allegations of assault, domestic abuse, drug offences and restraining order violations. Prosecutors say the case grew from a single domestic incident in August 2024 into a far broader investigation as additional alleged victims came forward. Høib...

In October 2025, the final act: King Charles stripped his brother of the title “Prince.” Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, no longer royal in name or status, was banished to a small home on the Sandringham estate. Alone, disgraced, and clinging to memories of power, the former prince now embodied everything the Crown must never become. His story was over — but for the monarchy, survival had come at a heavy cost.



Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken...

After the Queen’s death in 2022, Charles inherited not only the crown — but his brother’s scandal. The new king faced an impossible choice: protect the family or protect the throne. With William’s firm backing, Charles moved quietly but decisively to isolate Andrew. Invitations stopped coming. Funding was cut. The doors of Buckingham Palace closed. Behind the scenes, the monarchy was cleansing itself to survive another century.



Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken ca...

Two years later, the scandal returned. Virginia Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit in New York, accusing Andrew of sexual assault. The Queen funded his legal defense, hoping to shield the monarchy from a public trial. But when the court allowed the case to proceed, even she likely knew the damage was done. 



Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken care to reflect the reporting accurately, translations and interpretations may contain errors. Listeners should treat t...