Oslo police have announced charges against Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. The charges follow a months-long investigation into allegations involving a “double-digit” number of victims.
According to Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski, the charges include one case of rape involving intercourse and two cases of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault, and two cases of bodily harm. “I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,” Kruszewski said at a news conference.
The evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies, and police searches. Høiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete.
Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, said his client “is absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.” The royal palace declined to comment while the case is ongoing.
The 28-year-old Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children but now resides in a separate house nearby. He remains free pending a possible trial and is entitled to a presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise.
Høiby has previously faced scrutiny for his struggles with addiction and has acknowledged cocaine use. The case has garnered significant attention in Norway, where the royal family is popular. The future of the monarchy may not be directly affected, but the case will likely have implications for the royal family’s public image.