Princess Mette-Marit's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein surfaces
Princess Mette-Marit's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein has been disclosed, adding legal complexity during family crisis.
Event / Society
Norwegian Royal Family Crisis
Multiple serious incidents affecting the Norwegian royal family including health emergencies, legal convictions, and historical revelations
5 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jun, 14:31 UTC
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What happened
Royal silver wedding anniversary postponed due to princess's health
The silver wedding anniversary celebration of Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit, originally scheduled for August 2026 to mark 25 years of marriage, was postponed due to the princess's medical condition and recovery.
Princess Mette-Marit's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein revealed
Documents published in the United States in late January 2026 revealed that Princess Mette-Marit had sustained correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014. The correspondence was characterized as having an intimate tone in places.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra interrupts university studies to support mother
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, daughter of Princess Mette-Marit, suspended her studies in social sciences at the University of Sydney in Australia to return to Norway to be with her mother during her hospitalization. She planned to remain in Oslo throughout the autumn.
Marius Borg Høiby convicted of two counts of rape, sentenced to four years
Marius Borg Høiby, son of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was found guilty of two of four rape charges and sentenced to four years in prison on Monday, June 15, 2026. He had been in provisional detention since February 2026.
King Harald V hospitalized in Tenerife with health concerns
King Harald V of Norway, father of Crown Prince Haakon, experienced health issues in February 2026 and was hospitalized in Tenerife.
Princess Mette-Marit of Norway undergoes successful lung transplant
Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, heir to the throne and 52 years old, underwent a successful lung transplant at the National Hospital in Oslo. Arnt Fiane, head of thoracic surgery, confirmed the transplant was successful. The princess will remain hospitalized for several weeks following the procedure.
Prince Haakon adjusts official schedule to support princess's recovery
Crown Prince Haakon, husband of Princess Mette-Marit, modified his official schedule to be present with the princess during her hospital stay and recovery period following the lung transplant.
Princess Mette-Marit diagnosed with rare pulmonary fibrosis
Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of pulmonary fibrosis, a disease causing respiratory difficulties. Medical assessment indicated she had approximately one to two years to live without a lung transplant. She was placed on the organ transplant waiting list in early June 2026.
Marius Borg Høiby convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison
On June 15, 2026, the Oslo district court found Marius Borg Høiby, 29-year-old son of Norwegian Princess Mette-Marit, guilty of two of four rape charges and multiple counts of violence against former partners. He was sentenced to four years of imprisonment. Of 40 total charges, 38 were upheld, including two rape convictions, domestic violence, threats, and traffic violations. One rape occurred in 2018 at the royal residence of Skaugum. The prosecutor had requested seven years and seven months imprisonment.
Initial assault arrest in Oslo on August 4, 2024
Marius Borg Høiby was arrested on August 4, 2024, on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend the previous night in upscale Oslo neighborhoods. Police discovered evidence including a knife embedded in a wall and a broken chandelier.
Marius Borg Høiby acknowledged drug trafficking and traffic violations
Marius Borg Høiby admitted to several criminal charges including transportation of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, traffic infractions, physical assault, and threats. He pleaded guilty to certain minor charges while contesting the most serious allegations of rape and sexual assault of four women.
Trial proceedings held from February 3 to March 19, 2026
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby was conducted from February 3 to March 19, 2026, at the Oslo district court. The proceedings were open to the public with significant media presence, with approximately 200 journalists from around 50 Norwegian and foreign media organizations accredited. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø presented the case against the defendant.
Princess Mette-Marit placed on lung transplant waiting list
On June 5, 2026, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced that Princess Mette-Marit had been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant. She suffers from a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis. According to her medical team, her life expectancy without the transplant is extremely limited, potentially less than one year.
Marius Borg Høiby held in pre-trial detention since February 2026
Marius Borg Høiby was placed in pre-trial detention beginning in early February 2026 while awaiting trial. He was arrested on August 4, 2024, on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend in Oslo's upscale neighborhoods. At the time of the verdict, he remained in custody and received the sentence via video link due to unspecified health reasons.
Alleged rapes committed between 2018 and 2024 after social gatherings
According to prosecution allegations, the rape charges stemmed from incidents occurring between 2018 and 2024 following social gatherings where Marius Borg Høiby had consumed alcohol and drugs. The prosecution alleged that after initial consensual sexual relations, further illegal acts occurred with women who appeared to be asleep. A key point of legal debate centered on the victims' state of consciousness and what Høiby could have perceived at the time of the acts.
Court of Appeals denied temporary release request for hospital visit
The Oslo Court of Appeals rejected Marius Borg Høiby's request for temporary release to visit his mother Princess Mette-Marit in the hospital. The court ruled that there remained a strong probability he would commit new offenses if released.
Influencer Nora Haukland reported domestic violence and psychological abuse
Influencer Nora Haukland came forward with allegations that she suffered physical violence and psychological abuse from Marius Borg Høiby, describing it as a 'regime of terror.' During trial, Høiby acknowledged that jealousy can cause him to lose control.
Norwegian royal couple cancel attendance at Swedish golden wedding anniversary
Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit will not attend the Swedish royal couple's golden wedding anniversary celebration scheduled for June 13 in Stockholm due to Princess Mette-Marit's health condition and her placement on the lung transplant waiting list.
Marius Borg Høiby stands trial for rape and assault charges
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was tried in early 2026 for rape and repeated violence against an ex-partner. Høiby contests the charges. A verdict is scheduled for June 15, 2026. His attorney announced that Høiby has requested early release pending the verdict due to his mother's health condition.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra leaves Australian university to support mother
Princess Ingrid Alexandra interrupted her social sciences studies at the University of Sydney to return to Norway to be with her mother. She plans to remain in Oslo throughout the autumn and will continue her studies at a university in Norway from the new academic term.
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2 alternative perspectives
Royal family member convicted of rape, sentenced to four years prison
Marius Borg Høiby convicted of rape, sentenced to four years imprisonment in Oslo.
Family rallies as Princess Mette-Marit recovers from lung transplant
Princess Mette-Marit's successful lung transplant reshapes family priorities and official schedules during recovery.
Norwegian royal family member convicted of rape, sentenced to four years
Norwegian royal family member convicted of rape and sentenced to four years imprisonment.
Princess Mette-Marit awaits lung transplant on waiting list
Princess Mette-Marit placed on lung transplant waiting list following pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis.
Royal family member faces trial on assault and rape allegations
Norwegian royal family member faces trial on rape and assault charges in Oslo.
King Harald's Tenerife hospitalization highlights persistent royal health challenges
King Harald's February hospitalization compounds health challenges already affecting the Norwegian royal family.
Royal schedules disrupted as Norwegian family prioritizes transplant support
Norwegian royal family cancels international events to support Princess Mette-Marit's upcoming transplant.
Princess Mette-Marit Steps Back from Official Duties Ahead of Transplant
Princess Mette-Marit withdraws from duties while awaiting lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.