Trial has begun against the wife of the heir to the Norwegian throne, Marius Borg Højbjörg, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The 28-year-old man, detained by Oslo police on February 1, is accused of a number of serious crimes, including sexual violence and infliction of bodily harm. Against the backdrop of these events, debates about the future of monarchical rule in the country intensified.
Marius Borg Hyoibyu: Crimes and Accusations
Although Marius Højbjörn is the adopted son of the Norwegian Crown Prince Hakan, he does not officially have the status of a member of the royal family. Nevertheless, his actions seriously damage the court's reputation:
- Charge summary: The list of charges, which initially consisted of 32 items, later increased to another 6.
- Victims: Among the victims of violence, the name of "Love Island" star Nora Haukland has been revealed.
- Drug Addiction: Hyoibyu was previously punished for drug possession; during his recent arrest, traces of substances such as cocaine and marijuana were found in his blood.
- Position: At the first hearing, he flatly denied the rape charge.
Epstein's case and Mette-Marit's "shame"
The conflict wasn't limited to Marius alone. Documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, disclosed in the US, revealed Princess Mette-Marit's correspondence with him.
- Praise: In 2011-2014 reports, Mette-Marit described Epstein as "an attractive and kind-hearted person."
- Uncomfortable question: In one of the correspondence, it was revealed that the Princess asked Epstein for advice regarding the indecent pictures on her son Marius's phone.
- Apology: The princess admitted that her relationship with Epstein was a big mistake and expressed deep shame about it.
Health problems and the future of the monarchy
These psychological pressures coincided with a period when Mette-Marit's health deteriorated. The 52-year-old princess, suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, may require organ transplantation in the near future.
The country's largest publications are questioning the Queen's ability to become a queen. The issue of transitioning to a republican system was also considered in the Norwegian parliament. Although the majority of deputies voted to preserve the monarchy, public trust is declining year by year:
- 2017: 81% supported;
- 2025: 72%;
- Today: Only 61% of Norwegians support the royal family.
In your opinion, is it the right decision to abandon the rule of a monarchy formed over centuries due to personal mistakes and family conflicts?
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