Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was poised as she attended the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican today – as a scandal deepens around her eldest son.

The 51-year-old, who is suffering from an incurable lung disease, and her husband Crown Prince Haakon were among a host of European royals who travelled to Italy to pay their respects on Saturday.

They joined a number of dignitaries and world leaders in St. Peter’s Square, with US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer all in attendance.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit was dignified as she attended the funeral, despite a deepening scandal involving her 28-year-old son Marius Borg Høiby.

He has faced a string of charges including assault and two rapes – which he denies – and as well as being under investigation for three further sexual assaults.

Borg Høiby has not commented on the allegations since they came out in February.

But the Crown Princess appeared to not let this scandal bother her as she arrived at Vatican City on Saturday in an all-black ensemble.

She opted for a long, tailored black coat over her sleek outfit, which she paired with a delicate lace veil.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was poised as she attended the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican today – as a scandal deepens around her eldest son

The 51-year-old and her husband Crown Prince Haakon were among a host of European royals who travelled to Italy to pay their respects on Saturday

Mette-Marit left her platinum hair loose around her shoulders in a stark contrast to her monochrome outfit, and carried a small black bag.

Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, wore a classic black suit and tie.

Their outing comes as a presenter who was allegedly ‘raped by the future King of Norway’s stepson while she was unconscious’ broke down in tears as she criticised his ‘appalling’ behaviour.

The 28-year-old son of Mette-Marit was first arrested on August 4, and has since faced a string of charges including assault and two rapes – which he denies – as well as being under investigation for three further sexual assaults.

Among those to come forward is national media personality Linni Meister, who attended a ‘castle basement party’ of his, where the ‘attack’ is alleged to have taken place; with police reported to have a video clip.

They joined a number of dignitaries and world leaders in St. Peter’s Square, with US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer all in attendance

Crown Princess Mette-Marit was dignified as she attended the funeral, despite a deepening scandal involving her 28-year-old son Marius Borg Høiby

The Norwegian royal family was rocked by Borg Høiby’s first arrest at the beginning of August 2024. Pictured with his mother in 2016 

The TV star, 39, reportedly did not remember the alleged assault and only became aware of it after she was informed by law enforcement officials. After the claims came out earlier this year, Linni stated the allegations were ‘true’ in a Snapchat statement.

She has now hit out at Borg Høiby’s ‘disrespect’ in a new podcast ‘Puppen og Lillemor’ with friend and co-host Mia Gundersen, 63.

As reported by Se og hor, Linni became emotional as she slammed the royal for ‘running away and going to party’ while ‘victims’ wait for justice.

‘He has no respect for himself or his family. Not even for us victims. It’s hurtful. What happened afterwards is almost worse for me,’ she said tearfully in an episode.

‘Instead of doing the right thing, he runs away and goes to a party. I am appalled by how things are being handled by the defendant. And why isn’t more happening? It pisses me off!’

Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Høiby pictured in 2019 in Oslo