Chisom Umejiaku
Prosecutors in Norway have formally charged Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, with 32 criminal offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, illegal filming, threats, and other violent acts.
The indictment was filed on August 18, 2025, and covers alleged offenses committed between 2018 and November 2024.
According to court documents, three of the rape counts relate to sexual assaults without intercourse, while one involves full sexual intercourse. Some incidents were allegedly recorded on Høiby’s phone.
Prosecutors also linked him to repeated physical abuse and threats against women, as well as property damage and traffic violations.
State prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø said the most serious charges could carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if he is found guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and is expected to last six weeks. Høiby has denied the most serious allegations, and his defense has indicated he will plead not guilty.
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In a separate case, he admitted last year to damaging property and causing injury while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The royal court has emphasized that Høiby has no official title, is not in the line of succession, and his case will proceed under normal judicial process.
The indictment comes after mounting scrutiny of Høiby’s behavior. In August 2024, he was detained during investigations into sexual assault claims. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoked his diplomatic passport due to his legal troubles.
Høiby, born in 1997 from Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, has generally lived outside royal duties but remains a public figure in Norway. His case has drawn significant attention and sparked renewed debate about accountability within the royal family.
Observers note that the scandal poses a reputational challenge for the monarchy, which has faced growing public criticism in recent years. While the palace has declined to comment, the proceedings are expected to be closely followed both in Norway and internationally.