OSLO, Norway – Testimony continued in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the Oslo District Court heard from witnesses regarding an alleged sexual assault in November 2024. Høiby is accused of violating a woman while she was incapacitated and of illegally filming her without consent.
The court heard testimony from a friend of the alleged victim, who recounted a conversation with the woman shortly after a night out in Oslo. According to the friend, the woman described meeting Høiby at a party and experiencing a positive initial connection. “She told me that she had gotten good contact with Marius and that they had good chemistry,” the friend testified. However, the friend stated the woman’s account shifted after they went to a hotel. The woman reportedly told her friend that Høiby became “very focused on her genitals” and that she noticed a light source, leading her to believe he was using his phone.
The friend also described a pattern of behavior within their social circle, noting that it was common for people to disappear during parties and return with stories. She characterized the woman’s initial description of the evening with Høiby as “interesting,” but expressed concern about the later developments. Defense counsel pressed the witness on the woman’s initial characterization of the evening as “fun,” questioning whether she had fully grasped the potential implications at the time. The witness maintained that the woman had initially downplayed the situation, attributing it to a positive initial connection with Høiby.
A separate witness, the sister of the alleged victim, testified on Wednesday that her sister’s demeanor changed dramatically after speaking with police. She described her sister as becoming withdrawn and emotionally detached, a stark contrast to her previously vibrant personality. The sister recounted that the woman had initially described the encounter with Høiby as having a “topless” atmosphere, but with a generally positive vibe, comparing it to the premise of a reality television show. However, the sister stated that the woman’s account changed when she described the events at the hotel, alleging that Høiby became “rushed, paranoid and controlling,” checking her phone.
The sister testified that her sister told her she woke up to uncover Høiby engaging in unwanted acts. She also stated that she initially sympathized with Høiby, believing he was struggling with financial difficulties and facing public scrutiny. Defense counsel questioned the sister about this apparent sympathy, seeking to understand whether she had influenced her sister’s initial reluctance to pursue legal action.
Police investigators presented digital evidence, including data seized from electronic devices, to the court earlier in the week, according to reports from Se og Hør. The prosecution has presented 27 videos and four images allegedly taken by Høiby without the woman’s consent as evidence. Høiby maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing. The trial is ongoing, with Marius Borg Høiby expected to continue his testimony on Friday.
