Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. The 28-year-old faces allegations of domestic abuse, violating restraining orders, and multiple other offences linked to former partners.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø confirmed that Høiby also stands accused of secretly recording the genitals of multiple women without their knowledge or consent. If he were convicted on the most serious charges, he would face up to 10 years in prison.
Denial of Rape Charges, Partial Admission Expected
Høiby, who isn’t a titled royal or given official responsibilities, has rejected the rape and domestic violence charges. His attorney, Petar Sekulic, nonetheless informed Reuters that he plans on pleading guilty to certain lesser offenses when the trial starts.
“He doesn’t concur with the allegations of rape and domestic violence,” Sekulic said, emphasizing that his client would fight the most grave charges in court.
Talking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Crown Prince Haakon next in line for the throne and Høiby’s stepfather indicated that the courts would deal with the case. He referred to the situation as “challenging and difficult” for everyone but would not comment further.
Timeline of Alleged Crimes
The supposed rapes were said to have happened between 2018 and 2024, although one was said to have happened after Høiby’s first arrest. He was arrested three times in August, September, and November 2024 and had been investigated since his first arrest on suspicion of assault.
In June, police said that Høiby was suspected of three rapes and 23 other offences. The official indictment has now increased that to four rapes and 32 charges overall.
The trial will start in January and may take up to six weeks, prosecutors confirmed.
The charges have sparked broad interest in Norway, especially since Høiby has a relationship with the royal family. Yet because he has no title and no position in the monarchy, legal experts maintain the case will be viewed like any other prominent criminal prosecution.
