Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, has been sentenced to four years in prison for rape and other crimes. This case intensifies scrutiny on European monarchies, similar to the case of Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his royal titles last year. Høiby faced two rape convictions and was acquitted of two others. Prosecutors alleged his victims were unable to resist due to being asleep or incapacitated.
Høiby, without a formal royal title, was raised in the royal household alongside his half-siblings. His mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faced her own scandal linked to Jeffrey Epstein after it was revealed she had contact with him post his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. She expressed regret for not investigating Epstein’s background thoroughly before associating with him.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is another figure entangled in a public controversy due to his association with Epstein. Virginia Giuffre accused him of sexual misconduct, alleging she was trafficked by Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor denies these claims, having settled a lawsuit out of court without acknowledging liability.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2019 BBC interview was criticized for inconsistencies, notably his claim of not recalling Giuffre or stopping contact with Epstein by 2010. Emails later showed interactions in 2011, and by October last year, King Charles III stripped him of his titles. Legal investigations continue regarding his conduct.
The Danish monarchy also faced upheaval when Queen Margrethe II removed royal titles from four grandchildren. Presented as a modernization effort, the decision led to family tensions and public reaction. Despite the backlash, including Prince Joachim’s dissatisfaction, the Queen stood by her choice but apologized for the emotional impact.
In Spain, former King Juan Carlos I’s later years were clouded by financial scandals, notably a $100 million payment from Saudi Arabia. Though some investigations ended without charges, debates on his return to Spain persist. Political voices argue his contributions to democracy should allow him to return, despite past mistakes.