Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess, charged with rape and multiple offenses, faces up to 10 years prison time

In a shocking development that has gripped Norway and the international community, Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with 32 criminal offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, and multiple other serious crimes. Prosecutors announced the charges following an extensive investigation, with Høiby expected to stand trial early next year.

Charges and allegations

According to Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø, Høiby faces charges involving the rape of four women, some occurring while the victims were asleep. On several occasions, he is accused of engaging in consensual sexual activity with the victims before allegedly committing the assaults later the same day, reports the Daily Mail. Prosecutors also revealed that he secretly filmed the assaults without their consent, and he faces additional allegations of domestic abuse against a former partner.

The charges also include acts of violence, disturbing the peace, vandalism, violating restraining orders, issuing death threats, and traffic violations. In total, 32 offenses have been listed in the indictment. Prosecutors warn that these offences could carry a combined prison sentence of up to 10 years if Høiby is convicted.

Details of the investigation

Høiby’s legal troubles surfaced publicly in August 2024 when he was arrested after allegations of assaulting a woman he had been dating. He admitted at the time to having caused her harm while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, expressing remorse and declaring intentions to seek treatment for mental health issues.

Further investigation expanded to uncover multiple other accusations of sexual violence and abuse spanning from 2018 to 2024, including some acts allegedly committed after the investigation had begun. Prosecutors have obtained photographic and video evidence to support the charges.

Position of the Royal Family

Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. However, he does not hold a royal title and is not in the line of succession.

The Royal Palace has issued a statement emphasizing that the case is in the hands of the judicial system: “Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job.”

Defense and legal proceedings

Høiby denies the most serious accusations, including the rape and domestic violence charges, while reportedly admitting guilt to some lesser offenses. His attorney has stated that Høiby will provide a thorough account of his version of events during the trial.

The trial is anticipated to begin in mid-January 2026 and could last approximately six weeks.

Public and legal impact

Public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø underscored the gravity of the charges: “This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives,” reported the Daily Mail. "The fact that Marius Borg Hoiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others," Henriksbo stressed.