More despicable royals

[malaise]

I hate them all

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/01/more-women-reporting-abuse-norway-since-royal-family-member-allegations-trial

Staff at Norway’s largest women’s health organisation have seen a rise in the number of women reporting abuse and sexual assault at the hands of their partners ahead of the rape trial of a member of the royal family, saying they hope the case helps to “break taboos”.

Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of the Norwegian crown princess, is due to stand trial in February on 32 charges including four counts of rape, the domestic abuse of a former partner and the illegal filming of a number of women without their knowledge or consent.

His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has said that Høiby “denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence”. His client would “present a detailed account of his version of events before the court”, he added.

Høiby, whose mother is the crown princess, Mette-Marit, and whose stepfather is the crown prince, Haakon, Norway’s future king, could face 10 years in prison if he is found guilty of the most serious charges.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. What? No immunity amongst royalty. TSF wouldn't agree to that.

[3Hotdogs]

6. Thank Jesus that we give immunity to our heads of state. Why can you imaging the disgrace to our country

if Nixon had to face trial?

[PJMcK]

2. Royalty is a useless artifact of ancient times

As a U.S. citizen, I’ve never lived under a monarchy, (well, let’s set aside Metamucillini for the moment), therefore it’s difficult for me to understand the historical affection for these archaic conventions. So, from outside the nations that have continued their royalties, let me state this.

They all look like useless spoiled narcissists sponging off the backs of the people beneath them. And generally, that’s how they treat the people: as though they are beneath the royals. It’s hardly surprising behavior since many royals think they hold their positions because of divine right. I’m an atheist so to me that’s stupid and ridiculous but even for believers, it’s a mockery of free will.

While I know there are some exceptions, in general, these “families” lead pampered lives of non-productivity while living their high-flying lives at the expense of their “subjects” many of whom live impoverished lives.

And these royals are treated as though they were deities! Too often, their offspring are the worst offenders.

It has been refreshing to see Andrew getting punished and exiled from the British royal family but it’s only happened because he so grossly exposed the sordid underbelly of the lives of extreme privilege these mere mortals are able to sponge off their countries while doing little other than make public appearances and statements.

France handled their royals properly. It ended this nonsense in that great nation. Since that kind of barbarism should be behind us, countries that still have these silly figureheads should oust them and move into the modern era. The people require focused attention and resources, not a handful of cultural vampires.

Republicans like to crow that welfare recipients should “get a job.” All royals should follow that suggestion.

[malaise]

3. Great post

Happy and Healthy 2026 to you and yours 😀

[PJMcK]

4. All best to you, dear malaise

It’s encouraging to have our band of democracy fighters here on DU and elsewhere. Your intelligent posts and opinions are highly valued!

[malaise]

7. Ditto - So are yours

[biophile]

5. Although I cannot condone beheading as a way to handle royals, I don't get the fascination either

I love the UK except for their continuing monarchy. Just, no.

[OldBaldy1701E]

11. You are correct.

I wish we could get rid of ours!

(The top elite in the United States might as well be fraking royalty. How about we stop pampering them as well?)

[Luz]

8. He's not royal, his mother is.

[wolfie001]

9. His father was in prison when he was born

Like father, like son.

[spanone]

10. K&R