Son of Norwegian princess charged with 32 crimes, including rape

Marius Borg Høiby

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with 32 criminal offenses, including at least four counts of rape, following an extensive investigation by Norwegian authorities.

Oslo prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø confirmed on August 18 that Høiby had been charged after a lengthy and detailed investigation. According to the indictment, in addition to the alleged rapes, he also faces charges of domestic violence, physical assault, public disorder, vandalism, violating restraining orders and filming women without their consent.

The four rape cases allegedly occurred in 2018, 2023 and 2024. Høiby also pleaded guilty to an act of violence that occurred in August 2024, for which he was arrested.

His defense attorney, Petar Sekuli, stated that his client "denies all allegations of sexual abuse, as well as most allegations related to physical violence." According to Sekuli, Høiby will "present his version in detail in court" and is willing to cooperate with justice.

Marius Borg Høiby, who is 28 and holds no royal title or official position in the monarchy, has often been in the spotlight due to problematic behavior and previous arrests. He is the biological son of Princess Mette-Marit and was raised as part of the royal family after her marriage to Prince Haakon.

According to the prosecution, the trial is expected to begin in mid-January 2026 and last about six weeks. Høiby is currently free pending trial, as authorities see no risk of him fleeing or obstructing the investigation.

The Norwegian Royal Palace responded by stressing that the matter concerns the justice system and not the institution of the monarchy. However, Crown Prince Haakon issued a public statement after the allegations were published:

"We will continue to fulfill our duties with dedication, as always. This is undoubtedly a difficult situation for everyone involved," he told reporters.