Marius Borg Høiby, Son of Norwegian Crown Princess, Charged with Sexual Crimes

Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. The charges, announced by the Oslo police, stem from incidents that occurred following his arrest in November 2024. Høiby, who is also the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been under investigation for allegations involving a double-digit number of accusers.

The Oslo police prosecutor, Andreas Kruszewski, confirmed that the investigation included a range of evidence, such as text messages and witness testimonies, which helped establish the gravity of the accusations. The charges against Høiby comprise one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm. During a press conference, Kruszewski stated, "I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number."

Høiby’s legal representation, led by his lawyer, has indicated that while Høiby is taking the accusations very seriously, he does not acknowledge wrongdoing in most cases, particularly concerning sexual abuse and violence. The royal family has remained publicly silent on the matter, refraining from issuing any official statements regarding the charges.

According to reports, the initial arrest in November was linked to allegations that Høiby had committed a sexual act without intercourse on a victim described as being unable to resist. This incident involved a woman in her 20s who had no prior acquaintance with Høiby. The police revealed that further allegations emerged shortly after the initial arrest, prompting requests for continued detention during the ongoing investigation.

Høiby’s legal troubles are not limited to the current charges; he has faced past allegations, including abuse in close relationships and violation of a restraining order. His arrest in August 2024 involved a separate incident where police found a knife lodged in the wall of an accuser's bedroom, leading to charges of causing bodily harm. He attributed these incidents to substance abuse and stated his intention to seek treatment for underlying mental health issues.

Prince Haakon, Høiby’s stepfather, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, stating, "Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. We as a family have, of course, been very concerned that Marius should get help."

Høiby, born before Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, does not hold a royal title nor undertake official duties, which further complicates the public and media response to his legal issues. As the case develops, its implications for both Høiby and the Norwegian royal family remain uncertain, opening discussions on the intersecting themes of privilege, accountability, and the societal perception of royal figures involved in criminal allegations.

The unfolding events have sparked national interest, as the public and media closely monitor the legal proceedings against Høiby, reflecting broader societal concerns regarding issues of sexual violence and the treatment of such allegations in high-profile cases. With multiple victims and serious charges, this case is poised to have significant implications for public discourse on accountability and justice in Norway and beyond.