By Prosper Mene
Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was indicted on August 18, 2025, facing 32 criminal charges, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, vandalism, death threats, and violations of restraining orders.
The charges, announced by Norwegian prosecutors, comes from a year-long investigation into incidents allegedly occurring between 2018 and 2024, with a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.
Høiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, is not a royal by title and holds no official duties or place in the line of succession.
His mother’s 2001 marriage to Haakon brought him into the public eye, and this case has garnered significant attention in Norway.
The investigation began after Høiby’s arrest in August 2024 for allegedly assaulting a girlfriend in an Oslo apartment, where he is also accused of causing significant property damage. As the probe expanded, authorities uncovered allegations of additional crimes, including a rape charge added after the initial arrest.
Among the charges, prosecutors allege Høiby secretly filmed the private parts of multiple women without their consent, actions described as causing “lasting scars” by public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø.“This is a serious case with many victims,” Henriksbø stated during a press conference in Oslo. “The defendant’s connection to the royal family should not affect how the case is handled. He will be treated like any other individual under the law.” The indictment details incidents involving multiple women, with charges ranging from physical assaults to psychological abuse and breaches of court-issued restraining orders.
Høiby, through his defense attorney Petar Sekulic, has admitted responsibility for the August 2024 assault and vandalism, attributing his actions to intoxication from alcohol and cocaine, as well as ongoing struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
In a statement released through his legal team, Høiby expressed regret, saying, “I deeply regret the harm caused and am committed to seeking help.” However, he denies the more severe accusations, including rape and domestic violence, though he plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges.
The Norwegian royal palace has maintained a restrained stance, issuing a brief statement: “This is a legal matter, and we trust the judicial process to handle it appropriately.” The case has placed the royal family in a delicate position, as public interest intensifies ahead of a trial set to begin in mid-January 2026, expected to last approximately six weeks. Høiby remains free pending the trial, with prosecutors indicating that the case’s complexity and the number of charges will require a thorough judicial review.
The allegations have shocked many in Norway, where the royal family is generally well-regarded.
