Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is facing intense scrutiny over her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations come at a particularly sensitive time, as Marius Borg Høiby, the crown princess's son, is set to stand trial on multiple charges, including rape and domestic abuse.
Just days before his trial was due to begin, Høiby was arrested on new charges of assault, threatening with a knife, and violating a restraining order. The arrest has sparked outrage among many in Norway, who are already reeling from the crown princess's own connections to Epstein.
In previously unsealed emails, Mette-Marit is seen calling Epstein "very charming", "soft-hearted" and "such a sweetheart", raising questions about her judgment when it came to dealing with the convicted sex offender. The palace has since apologized for her interactions with Epstein, stating that they were "poorly judged".
The crown princess's inclusion in the Epstein files has also sparked tension within the Norwegian royal family. While many are calling for her resignation, others believe that she should be given a chance to explain herself and make amends.
Høiby's trial is expected to take place over seven weeks, with prosecutors requesting four weeks of imprisonment on grounds that he poses a risk to society. The young man has denied the most serious charges against him.
The Epstein scandal has brought the Norwegian monarchy into disrepute, with many questioning whether they can continue to serve as public figures. A ballot is set to be held in April to decide whether to replace the monarchy, although it's unlikely that Høiby will ever become king given his own involvement in a serious crime.
The royal family is facing a serious crisis of confidence, and it remains to be seen how they will recover from this latest blow. One thing is certain, however: Mette-Marit and her son Marius Borg Høiby will have to navigate the consequences of their actions, and face scrutiny from the Norwegian public for years to come.
Just days before his trial was due to begin, Høiby was arrested on new charges of assault, threatening with a knife, and violating a restraining order. The arrest has sparked outrage among many in Norway, who are already reeling from the crown princess's own connections to Epstein.
In previously unsealed emails, Mette-Marit is seen calling Epstein "very charming", "soft-hearted" and "such a sweetheart", raising questions about her judgment when it came to dealing with the convicted sex offender. The palace has since apologized for her interactions with Epstein, stating that they were "poorly judged".
The crown princess's inclusion in the Epstein files has also sparked tension within the Norwegian royal family. While many are calling for her resignation, others believe that she should be given a chance to explain herself and make amends.
Høiby's trial is expected to take place over seven weeks, with prosecutors requesting four weeks of imprisonment on grounds that he poses a risk to society. The young man has denied the most serious charges against him.
The Epstein scandal has brought the Norwegian monarchy into disrepute, with many questioning whether they can continue to serve as public figures. A ballot is set to be held in April to decide whether to replace the monarchy, although it's unlikely that Høiby will ever become king given his own involvement in a serious crime.
The royal family is facing a serious crisis of confidence, and it remains to be seen how they will recover from this latest blow. One thing is certain, however: Mette-Marit and her son Marius Borg Høiby will have to navigate the consequences of their actions, and face scrutiny from the Norwegian public for years to come.