Norway's new King Haakon VIII has featured his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, in family photographs displayed during his first speech to the nation as monarch. The images, including one showing a young Høiby with his head on his stepfather's shoulder, appeared on a cabinet behind the King in the Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The speech was delivered following the recent death of Haakon's father, King Harald V.
Høiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, is currently under house arrest and is preparing to appeal his convictions for rape, aggravated assault, and sexual molestation. He was also seen with the royal family at the hospital where King Harald V was admitted before his death. The Norwegian royal family has also continued to share photographs of Høiby, including one in an official Instagram tribute to the late King Harald V.
One of the images shared was a snowy Christmas portrait from 2008, taken at Skaugum Palace, showing an 11-year-old Høiby with other royal family members. Another photo, released to mark King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit's 25th wedding anniversary, depicted a young Høiby with his stepfather. These inclusions have drawn online criticism, with some deeming the decision a mistake in light of Høiby's sentencing.
Høiby has denied the most serious charges, including rape, while admitting to some lesser offenses. His lawyer stated that they are awaiting a court decision on whether an appeal will be considered.
King Haakon has previously spoken about his stepson's situation, acknowledging that he and the family care about Høiby and consider him an important family member. He has also emphasized that Høiby is not a working royal, does not hold titles, and is subject to the same laws as any other Norwegian citizen.
The King and Queen visited Høiby in custody before his sentencing in June. The trial itself, which uncovered allegations of violence, drug abuse, and sexual misconduct, lasted six weeks. Høiby was convicted on two counts of rape, as well as assaulting a former girlfriend, issuing threats, and traffic offenses. He was acquitted of two other rape charges.
The court heard evidence linked to 40 charges, including alleged rapes, assaults, and driving violations. Investigators presented over 800 messages and video evidence during the trial. Høiby, who denied the most serious allegations, was not present in court for the verdict, joining via video link. He is currently awaiting a decision on his appeal.
This period has also seen scrutiny of Queen Mette-Marit regarding her past stay at Jeffrey Epstein's residence and the impending release of a second reality TV show featuring King Haakon's sister, Princess Märtha Louise, and her husband, Durek Verrett.