Overview
- Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is on trial in Oslo on 38 counts and faces up to 16 years if convicted, admitting to some offenses while denying four rape charges.
- He testified this week that he did not drug a woman who alleges rape in 2018, with prosecutors referencing search history and phone videos that the defense disputes.
- The royal palace confirmed a four‑day 2013 stay by Crown Princess Mette‑Marit at an Epstein property in Palm Beach as newly released U.S. files show numerous contacts.
- Mette‑Marit issued a renewed public apology, saying she showed poor judgment and cannot yet provide fuller explanations, as Crown Prince Haakon visited Høiby in custody.
- Political and institutional fallout widened with probes involving figures such as former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland, while polling shows a marked drop in public confidence in the crown princess.