Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The Norwegian crown princess' son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, with police having since spoken out at a conference.
Høiby, 28, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and is also the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon.
After being arrested on 4 August last year and charged on 18 August this year, he is now expected to stand trial in 2026 following the police investigation.
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Both Høiby's lawyer and his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon have spoken out on the charges, with the police also issuing updates to the public. Here's everything we know.
What charges is Marius Borg Høiby facing?
In regard to the rape charges, they are:
- One count of rape with sexual intercourse
- Three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which he filmed on his telephone, the prosecution said
The instances of rape for which Høiby is charged are alleged to have occurred in 2018, 2023, and 2024.
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In 2024, he was arrested, and the police investigation began after a former partner flagged an alleged altercation she had with him to the authorities.
In a public statement 10 days after his arrest, Høiby said he had been 'under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument', and at the time was suffering from 'mental troubles' and struggling 'for a long time with substance abuse'.
Aside from four counts of rape, other counts Høiby has been charged with include:
- Domestic violence/abuse in close relationships (multiple counts)
- Assaults on at least two former partners
- Death threats
- Filming women’s genitals without consent
- Violation of restraining/visitation orders (multiple instances)
- Property damage/vandalism
- Disturbing the peace/harassment of police
- Traffic violations (driving without a license, etc)
What have the police said about Marius Borg Høiby?
The police, who have been investigating the case for a year, have spoken out about what this means for the member of the Royal Family, stating that justice prevails regardless of status.
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"The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the Royal Family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others," public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo told reporters.
During the press conference, Henriksboe went on to add: "It's up to the judges to decide if he is guilty."
"The police have conducted a thorough investigation of the cases, with a large number of witness interviews, several searches and a review of extensive digital material," the police force said back in June.
"The accused has been questioned by the police several times during the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. He has now completed his questioning, and he has cooperated with the police."
What would happen if Marius Borg Høiby is found guilty?
If found guilty of the most serious charges, Høiby could face up to a decade in prison.
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"The maximum penalty for the offences listed in the indictment is imprisonment of up to 10 years," Henriksbo said.
"These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives," he added.
Has Marius Borg Høiby responded to the charges?
Høiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenaes, shared that he has denied the most serious accusations against him, such as the rape and domestic violence charges.
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Reuters reported Høiby's attorney confirmed he will plead guilty to some charges but does not agree with the most serious crimes.
"He does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence," Petar Sekulic said.
He is currently free pending trial.
What has the Norwegian Royal Family said about the charges?
Crown Prince Haakon said the family would do their best to carry out duties as normal.
"We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do," he said.
"Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult."
"It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision. We have no further comment," the royal court previously told Tyla in a statement.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Crime, World News, News, Police
Britt Jones