zoon van kroonprinses ontwaakt in schaduw van epstein

2026-02-04 buitenland

Oslo, woensdag, 4 februari 2026.
Marius Borg Høiby, zoon van Noorse kroonprinses Mette-Marit, getuigt onder tranen in zijn verkrachtingsproces in Oslo. Hij ontkent vier verkrachtingsbeschuldigingen, maar één vrouw zei dat ze dacht dat ze was gedrogeerd tijdens een afterparty in 2018. De zaak raakt het koningshuis in een moeilijke periode. Pasgeopende documenten tonen honderden e-mails tussen Mette-Marit en Jeffrey Epstein. Die correspondentie duurde drie jaar. Ze noemt het armer dan dom. Nu staat haar zoon voor de rechter. Zijn behoefte aan erkenning speelt centraal. De rechtszaak beloopt 38 punten, waaronder geweld en drugsbezit. Het proces vindt plaats zonder royale bescherming. Høiby is geen officieel lid van het hof. Toch kan elke stap grote gevolgen hebben.

trial begins amid royal scrutiny

In Oslo, the rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby commenced on February 4, 2026, drawing intense public attention [BBC]. Høiby, 29, appeared in court to face 38 charges including four counts of rape, drug trafficking involving 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, death threats, and violent offenses [AP]. The proceedings unfold against a backdrop of renewed scrutiny on the Norwegian royal family due to past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein [CNN]. Høiby, though closely related to royalty, holds no formal position within the monarchy [AP].

emotional testimony and serious allegations

During his testimony, Marius Borg Høiby struggled emotionally, choking back tears as he denied raping four women [BBC]. One accuser stated she believed she was drugged during an after-party at Høiby’s parents’ home in December 2018, recalling no details of the incident [BBC]. Høiby acknowledged using cocaine for the first time at that event but refuted any non-consensual acts [BBC]. He avoided eye contact with the alleged victims while speaking directly to the panel of judges seated approximately ten meters away [BBC]. His defense maintains he is innocent and will contest all charges vigorously [FAZ].

prior arrest intensifies pressure

Days before the trial opened, Høiby was arrested on February 2, 2026, on new allegations including assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order [AP]. Oslo District Court approved his pre-trial detention for up to four weeks citing concerns over potential re-offense [AP]. This development heightened tensions surrounding the case, amplifying media coverage both domestically and internationally [WION]. Although Høiby has admitted guilt to minor charges, his legal team disputes the most severe accusations, particularly those involving sexual misconduct and violence [Al Jazeera].

epstein connections deepen crisis

Simultaneously, Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces growing criticism over a documented three-year email exchange with Jeffrey Epstein, recently disclosed in newly released court files [CNN]. She admitted borrowing Epstein’s Palm Beach residence through a mutual acquaintance in early 2013 and called her decision “poor judgment,” expressing deep regret [AP]. These revelations resurfaced longstanding questions about elite networks and accountability [CNN]. The timing of these disclosures, overlapping with her son’s trial, has intensified political and societal debate across Norway [DGKI].

institutional responses shape perception

The Norwegian royal household has refrained from commenting publicly during the judicial process, emphasizing that Høiby is treated like any other citizen under the law [AP]. Crown Prince Haakon affirmed that Høiby bears equal rights and responsibilities despite familial ties [AP]. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre criticized the lapse in judgment shown by public figures associated with Epstein without naming individuals specifically [DGKI]. The palace confirmed Mette-Marit postponed a planned private trip indefinitely amid mounting backlash [BBC]. Public trust in the institution now hinges on perceived transparency and integrity throughout the proceedings [DGKI].

Bronnen

verkrachtingszaak koninklijk familielid