Crime & justice

Norway: Crown Princess' Son Indicted on 32 Charges

Published AUG 19 2025

Story

Above: Marius Borg Høiby (R) at the Intercontinental London on Feb. 21, 2018. Image credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Tempus Magazine

The Facts

State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø announced Monday that Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been indicted on 32 criminal charges, including four counts of rape.
EuroNews
The Associated Press
The charges include one count of rape with intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse. Prosecutors alleged all incidents occurred while victims were sleeping, between 2018 and November 2024.
Reuters
The Local Norway
Høiby faces additional charges of abuse in close relationships against former partner Nora Haukland, violence against another former partner, illegal filming of women's genitals without consent, death threats, as well as traffic violations.
The Associated Press
The Local Norway
Defense attorney Petar Sekulic has stated that Høiby pleads guilty only to assaulting a former partner in Frogner, Oslo, and destroying objects in her apartment, while denying criminal responsibility for all other charges.
Reuters
NRK
The maximum penalty for the charges is imprisonment for up to 10 years, with State Attorney Henriksbø estimating the trial could begin in mid-January and last approximately six weeks, though Høiby remains free pending trial.
Reuters
EuroNews
The Local Norway
The Royal House issued a statement saying it is up to the courts to handle the case and declined to comment further. Meanwhile, prosecutors emphasized that Høiby's royal connections should not affect his treatment under the law.
The Telegraph
Al Jazeera

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Høiby's troubled past has continually posed challenges to the Royal Family. Yet Crown Prince Haakon's measured response has shown true respect for the judicial system, acknowledging the seriousness of the alleged crimes. Like any other Norwegian citizen, the consequences of Høiby's alleged actions must be decided by the full force of the law.

NRK

Narrative B

The Høiby scandal exposes serious failures in judgment and accountability. While Norway supposedly champions equality and justice, they've largely shielded the Crown Princess's son despite consistent allegations of wrongdoing. With a flurry of scandals and declining popularity ratings in the polls, Norway's royal family faces an existential crisis.