Oslo’s police have charged Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, with multiple serious offences, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. This follows an extensive investigation involving numerous alleged victims, described as a “double-digit” number, leading to the charges announced on Friday.
Høiby, 28, has been under legal scrutiny since 2024 due to repeated arrests connected to allegations of rape and preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage. During police questioning, he reportedly cooperated fully, as confirmed by Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski.
The charges against Høiby comprise one case of rape involving intercourse, two instances of rape without intercourse, four sexual assault claims, and two counts of bodily harm. The police attorney stated that evidence was gathered from text messages, witness testimonies, and police searches to build their case. While the number of victims involved remains undisclosed, Kruszewski assured that it is substantial.
Høiby’s defence attorney, Petar Sekulic, indicated that while Høiby is taking the allegations very seriously, he does not accept wrongdoing in most cases, particularly regarding the sexual abuse and violence accusations.
The royal palace has refrained from commenting on the matter, stating that it will adhere to standard procedures while the case proceeds. This situation has sparked significant media attention in Norway, where the royal family is widely admired.
Once affectionately known as “Little Marius,” Høiby grew up in the spotlight alongside his royal siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. However, he encountered challenges in his past, including his biological father, Morton Borg, serving time for drug-related offences. Currently, he lives separately from his royal family, although he previously resided with them.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Høiby is presumed innocent while he awaits the possibility of trial. He has also publicly acknowledged struggles with cocaine use and addiction, which adds another facet to his ongoing legal issues.