Norway’s Royal Family Faces Scrutiny as Prince’s Trial Unveils Witness Tampering Concerns

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has taken a dramatic turn with allegations of potential witness tampering. The developments, revealed in court on February 27, 2026, have added another layer of complexity to the already high-profile case involving charges of rape, drug offenses, and abuse.

Witness Contact Under Investigation

Norwegian authorities are investigating whether a close friend of Høiby attempted to influence the testimony of a key witness, referred to as the “Frogner woman,” before her police interrogation. The concerns were raised by Mette Yvonne Larsen, the Frogner woman’s lawyer, who suggested the witness may have received advice regarding her statement to investigators. NRK reported the extension of a contact ban against Høiby and the Frogner woman for an additional six months on February 27, 2026, citing the need for her protection.

Snapchat Communication Revealed

During court proceedings, a man in his thirties – identified as a long-time friend of Høiby – admitted to communicating with the Frogner woman via Snapchat. When questioned about whether he had offered advice on what to inform the police, the witness initially responded evasively, stating they had discussed the case generally. He later conceded that he likely provided information about the content of her potential statement. The BBC detailed this testimony on February 4, 2026, highlighting the woman’s initial account of feeling “betrayal and shock” after viewing videos allegedly showing sexual assault.

Defense Calls for Investigation

Høiby’s defense attorneys, Petar Sekulic and Ellen Holager Andenæs, immediately requested a formal investigation into the matter. Police lawyer Andreas Kruszewski confirmed to Dagbladet that they have contacted Larsen and scheduled a questioning session for Monday, February 2, 2026.

Background of the Case

Marius Borg Høiby was initially arrested on August 4, 2024, following allegations of assault. He faces four counts of rape and 28 other charges, including acts of violence against former girlfriends. He has admitted to some of the charges, including transporting drugs and speeding, but denies the rape allegations. CBS News reported on August 18, 2024, that Høiby was charged with four rapes and 28 other crimes, including a “serious narcotics offense” involving 3.5 kilos of marijuana, which he has admitted to.

Royal Family Under Pressure

The trial coincides with increased scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, following the revelation of hundreds of messages exchanged with the late Jeffrey Epstein over a three-year period. The palace has acknowledged the correspondence and expressed regret over the poor judgment displayed, leading to criticism and the postponement of a private trip by the Crown Princess. ABC News highlighted the pressure on the royal house as the trial began in February 2026.

Witness’s Past and Relationship with Høiby

The witness involved in the alleged tampering has a prior criminal record, including convictions for fraud and extortion, and is currently residing in Dubai. He described his relationship with Høiby as a close friendship, characterized by frequent socializing and open discussions. He also noted Høiby’s tendency to quickly fall in love with women he may not be suited for.

The trial is ongoing, and the potential consequences of the witness tampering allegations remain to be seen. The case continues to captivate the Norwegian public and places the royal family under intense scrutiny.