Crime & justice

Norwegian Crown Princess' Son Charged With Multiple Rapes

Published JUN 28 2025

Story

Above: Marius Borg Høiby sitting next to his mother on June 16, 2022, in Oslo, Norway. Image credit: Lise Åserud/NTB/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

Oslo police charged Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, with multiple offenses, including three counts of rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm, following a months-long investigation that concluded Friday.
ap
The Local Norway
The charges involve a "double-digit number" of alleged victims and include one count of rape with intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, abuse in close relationships, bodily harm, vandalism, threats, and five restraining order violations.
The New York Times
Guardian
NewsInEnglish.no
Høiby was first arrested in August 2024 on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend, which led to additional allegations emerging over subsequent months, with further arrests in September and November 2024 on suspicion of rape.
NewsInEnglish.no
EuroNews
The New York Times
Police gathered evidence from text messages, witness testimonies, and searches during the investigation, with Høiby cooperating during 14 rounds of questioning while denying most charges, particularly those involving sexual abuse and violence.
New York Post
NewsInEnglish.no
EuroNews
Høiby, who has no official royal duties despite growing up in the royal household, previously admitted to cocaine use and addiction and issued a public apology in August, acknowledging bodily harm and property damage while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
NewsInEnglish.no
CNN
The New York Times

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

This case represents a serious criminal matter that must be handled through proper legal channels. The extensive police investigation involving multiple victims and substantial evidence demonstrates the thoroughness of Norwegian law enforcement. The royal family's decision to remain silent while legal proceedings continue shows appropriate respect for the judicial process.

EuroNews

Government-critical narrative

The lengthy investigation and multiple arrests suggest a pattern of troubling behavior that has been enabled by royal privilege and wealth. Høiby's history of substance abuse and association with criminal elements, combined with his comfortable lifestyle without work or academic achievement, points to deeper systemic issues within the royal household.

The Local Norway