Crown and Controversy - Kate Middleton

Another intense day unfolded in Oslo District Court as the trial of Marius Borg Høiby continued, with witness testimony detailing tensions at the Lofoten after-party where prosecutors allege the most serious rape charge occurred. Guests described a shift in Høiby’s demeanor as the night progressed, with claims he became dominant, pushed alcohol, and created an uncomfortable atmosphere. A defense witness testified he heard what he believed were consensual sounds through a shared wall and was “shocked” by the charges.

The court also heard expert analysis of pulse-watch sleep data from a University of Bergen researcher, who testified the biometric readings were compatible with the complainant initially being asleep and later waking. Defense counsel challenged aspects of that interpretation.
In addition, prosecutors presented details of a separate alleged assault in Oslo in spring 2024, including claims that multiple videos were recorded while the woman was asleep or in a sleep-intoxicated state. Høiby denies all rape and unlawful filming charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a final court judgment.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

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Marius Borg Høiby faced intense questioning in Oslo as prosecutors pressed him over late-night texts, a five-second intimate video, and smartwatch data they say shows the complainant was in deep sleep during the alleged assault. Høiby insists the sex was consensual, calling key moments “situational” and dismissing crude messages as “locker-room talk,” while witnesses described him as heavily intoxicated and “dominant.”

Meanwhile, a separate storm engulfs the palace as newly released Epstein emails show Crown Princess Mette-Marit Googled the disgraced financier years after his conviction and maintained warm contact. With a rape trial unfolding and republican anger rising, Norway’s monarchy faces its gravest test in decades.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

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A woman from Lofoten gives closed-door testimony in Oslo District Court, alleging she woke to Marius Borg Høiby having sex with her while she was asleep during a trip in October 2023.

Prosecutors say smartwatch data and a short video found on Høiby’s phone support claims she was unconscious, while the defence insists the encounter was consensual. Høiby, testifying under medication and visible strain, denies ever having sex with a sleeping partner as the trial continues to intensify pressure on Norway’s royal family.

Content warning on today's episode.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

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Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit make multiple visits to Marius Borg Høiby behind bars as his rape trial grinds on, raising questions about access and optics. At the same time, Princess Ingrid Alexandra retreats abroad after blasting “personal attacks” on Instagram, while Epstein-linked scandals widen with a Norwegian ambassador’s resignation. Norway’s once low-drama monarchy is now under sustained pressure at home and abroad.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

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Norway’s royal crisis deepens as Princess Ingrid Alexandra breaks royal protocol with an emotional Instagram post saying she’s “going crazy” amid relentless personal attacks. Her message lands as Crown Princess Mette-Marit issues yet another apology over her Epstein ties, admitting regret and acknowledging that parts of their correspondence do not reflect the person she wants to be. Crown Prince Haakon steps in to shield his family, saying his focus is “taking care of the flock,” while critics warn the family’s transparency is eroding trust rather than restoring it. Parliament moves to reaffirm the monarchy, but support is slipping, republican membership is surging, and even Norway’s prime minister has weighed in. As polls soften and public patience thins, Norway confronts an uncomfortable question: has its most relatable royal family finally lost control of the narrative?

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

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It’s a brutal week for royal men with too much privilege and not enough purpose. As Prince Andrew is quietly shoved out of Windsor under cover of darkness, Norway’s royal family finds itself engulfed in a scandal that makes Britain’s York mess look familiar. Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing four rape charges and dozens of other allegations, triggering a national reckoning over entitlement, power, and unchecked behaviour. Commentators draw chilling parallels between Andrew and Høiby, arguing that royal indulgence, moral vacuum, and lack of accountability lead to predictable disaster. Meanwhile, fresh reporting details Mette-Marit’s warm and deeply embarrassing correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting public outrage, political condemnation, and a growing debate over whether she can ever become queen. Norway’s famously low-key monarchy is suddenly fighting for its credibility.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

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Marius Borg Høiby trial begins—38 charges including 4 rape counts. Pleads not guilty to rape, admits drug offences including 3.5kg marijuana transport, restraining order violations. Arrested again Sunday before trial for new assault/knife threats—begins trial in custody. First victim testifies believes she was drugged at 2018 after-party in Høiby's parents' basement—"completely unconscious, doesn't even look like I'm breathing." Videos found on his phone allegedly showing assault, later moved to hidden app.

Høiby denies drugging anyone but acknowledges knowing about ketamine, could "probably have obtained" incapacitating drugs. Høiby breaks down crying on stand—"extreme need for recognition" as "my mother's son," manifested in "lot of sex, lot of drugs, lot of alcohol." Phone searches for "rape" and "lot of weird stuff." Tells court: "I don't remember taking them, but we had sex fully awake and willingly." Crown Princess Mette-Marit Epstein emails emerge—1000+ references, "you tickle my brain," "soft hearted," stayed at Palm Beach home 2013. Poll: 47.6% don't want her as queen. Sex and Society drops her as patron. Royal House disables social media comments. Prosecutor: "Should not be treated more severely or leniently because of those with whom he is related." Deep Crown: "Equality before law is not platitude, but lived commitment." Norway's annus horribilis.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

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Norway’s royal crisis deepens as Marius Borg Høiby returned to court and denied drugging a woman who says she blacked out before an alleged 2018 assault at the Crown Prince family’s residence. Prosecutors pushed on his knowledge of incapacitating drugs, and Høiby conceded he knows what they are and could probably get them, but insisted he has never used them on anyone.

The court also heard about Høiby’s phone: prosecutors highlighted searches including “rape,” and evidence about files allegedly moved into a separate app that experts say must be deliberately downloaded and is commonly used to hide photos and videos. Investigators also raised an allegation that Høiby tried to remotely delete content during the investigation.

Meanwhile, fresh opinion polling shows slipping support for the monarchy and rising doubts about Crown Princess Mette-Marit becoming Queen. The Epstein fallout keeps widening too: one major sexual and reproductive health group says it is ending its collaboration with her and pulling her patron role, calling what has emerged “incompatible” with the values of its award.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

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The Marius Borg Høiby trial took a grim turn as the first woman to testify told the Oslo court she felt “betrayal and shock” after police showed her videos they say depict sexual assault while she was incapacitated. She said she has a “big black hole” in her memory after a brief consensual encounter and told judges she believes she may have been drugged, adding she looked “completely unconscious” in the footage.

Høiby denies four rape counts but admits several other charges and says the encounters were consensual. He also broke down in court, describing an “extreme need for recognition” and years of parties, drugs and alcohol.

Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Epstein ties are detonating politically. A new poll suggests nearly half of respondents do not think she should become Queen, and the royal household has now limited or disabled comments across official social media accounts, citing guideline violations.

While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

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The trial of Marius Borg Høiby has collided head-on with a separate scandal engulfing Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, creating a dual crisis for the monarchy. As Høiby faces multiple rape charges and dozens of other criminal allegations, newly released United States justice department files have revealed extensive past contact between the crown princess and Jeffrey Epstein.

Mette-Marit has admitted showing “poor judgment,” apologising for years of contact with Epstein well after his conviction, including email exchanges and a stay at his Palm Beach home. Norwegian political leaders and royal commentators are now demanding fuller explanations, warning the damage to her credibility could be long-lasting.

Royal experts say the combination of her son’s criminal trial and her own Epstein links represents the most serious test Norway’s monarchy has faced in generations. While public support remains strong, critics argue the institution must confront serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the pressures placed on royal life as the courtroom drama unfolds.


While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic license to craft this entertainment series. Some moments have been dramatized for storytelling effect. AI narration was used in creation of this series.

Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!

Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!

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