Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Indicted on Rape and Violence Charges

Published Time: 08-19-2025, 16:00

Norwegian prosecutors have formally indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on multiple criminal charges including rape and acts of violence. The 28-year-old, who holds no royal title or official duties, could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Multiple Charges Filed in Oslo Court

Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø confirmed that Høiby is facing 32 charges following an extensive investigation. These include rape, abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another individual, making death threats, and several traffic violations.

If convicted, Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison, NRK reported. Despite the severity of the charges, prosecutors said there is currently no reason to place him in pretrial detention, and he remains free pending trial.

Background on Marius Borg Høiby

Marius Borg Høiby, 28, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. Although he is part of the royal family, Høiby does not hold a royal title nor engage in official duties.

He has been under public scrutiny since last year, when he faced multiple arrests related to allegations of misconduct. The recent indictment follows months of investigation by Norwegian authorities.

Trial Timeline and Legal Proceedings

Henriksbø indicated that the trial could start in mid-January 2026 and may last approximately six weeks, NRK reported. The case will be heard in Oslo District Court, where Høiby will be required to respond to the charges.

Defense attorney Petar Sekulic stated in a written response:

“Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence. He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”

The royal palace released a brief statement emphasizing judicial independence:

“It is up to the courts to handle this case and reach a decision. The palace has nothing further to add.”

Legal and Public Implications

The indictment has drawn significant attention both within Norway and internationally, given Høiby’s connection to the royal family. Legal experts note that Norway’s judicial system operates independently, and any proceedings will follow due process without influence from the monarchy.

Observers also point out that the trial’s outcome could have broader public implications, particularly concerning media coverage of royal family members and the intersection of private life and public scrutiny.

Key Charges Detailed

Among the 32 charges, prosecutors highlight:

• Rape and sexual abuse allegations against a former partner.
• Abuse in a close relationship, which encompasses repeated acts of violence and intimidation.
• Threats to life, reported in the form of verbal death threats.
• Traffic violations, adding to the spectrum of criminal charges.

The defense has indicated that Høiby will contest most allegations, especially those relating to violence and sexual abuse.

Royal Family Response

While the royal palace has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, the announcement has reignited discussions about royal privacy and public accountability. Analysts note that, unlike some European royal families, the Norwegian monarchy maintains a relatively low public profile, making this case particularly notable in national discourse.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The case has received extensive coverage across Norwegian media outlets, including NRK, and is expected to dominate headlines as the trial approaches. Public reactions range from concern for alleged victims to debates over media responsibility in reporting royal-related legal matters.

Outlook

As the trial date approaches in January 2026, both prosecutors and the defense prepare to present evidence and testimonies. Observers emphasize that, despite Høiby’s royal connections, the case will proceed under Norway’s independent legal framework, ensuring due process for all parties involved.