Prosecutors in Norway have asked a court to sentence Marius Borg Hoiby to seven years and seven months in prison over multiple serious charges, including allegations of rape involving four women.
The 29-year-old, who is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, is facing 40 charges in total. The offences carry a maximum possible sentence of 16 years if convicted.
Delivering closing arguments on Wednesday before an Oslo court, prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo described the gravity of the allegations, stressing the long-term impact such crimes can have on victims. He argued that rape can leave enduring psychological scars and deeply affect survivors’ lives.
Hoiby, who does not formally belong to the Norwegian royal household, attended court dressed in jeans and a blue sweater. He did not visibly react when the prosecution requested the prison term. He has pleaded guilty to several lesser offences but has denied the rape allegations. The prosecution claims the incidents occurred while the women were asleep or otherwise unable to consent.
A central issue in the trial has been whether the alleged victims were in a condition to provide consent at the time of the incidents. The case has drawn significant public attention both in Norway and internationally, given Hoiby’s connection to the royal family.
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The scandal began on August 4, 2024, when police arrested Hoiby in connection with an alleged assault involving his girlfriend. Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered additional suspected offences after authorities reviewed digital evidence, including images and video materials obtained from his devices.
According to prosecutors, the four women involved were initially unaware that they may have been victims of criminal acts until contacted by police during the investigation.
Following the prosecution’s closing statements, lawyers representing the alleged victims were scheduled to present their arguments before Hoiby’s defence team delivers its final submissions. The court is expected to announce its verdict in the coming weeks or months.
The case has significantly affected public discourse in Norway, with many observers noting its potential implications for the royal family’s public image and the broader conversation around accountability and consent.