Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway‘s Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been charged with 32 offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse, and secretly filming women without their consent.
The charges stem from incidents dating back to 2018, with the most recent alleged rape occurring in 2024.
Høiby’s defense lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, has been contacted for comment, while the Norwegian royal court stated that they would not comment further, leaving the matter to the courts.
The state attorney, Sturla Henriksbø, emphasized that Høiby’s royal background would not influence his treatment, ensuring he faces the charges like any other individual.
If found guilty, Høiby faces up to 10 years in prison. The trial is expected to take place early next year. Høiby strongly denies the allegations, with his previous defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, stating that he “does not plead guilty to the essentials” and “strongly the rape allegations”.
The allegations have sparked widespread interest due to Høiby’s connection to the Norwegian royal family.
The case of Marius Borg Høiby highlights the complexities of privilege and accountability. As the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Høiby has grown up in the public eye, but his actions have now led to serious legal consequences.
The Norwegian royal family’s response to the allegations has been relatively muted, with a spokesperson stating that the courts will decide the matter.
This case raises questions about whether individuals with connections to powerful families are held to different standards than others.
Some observers note that Høiby’s history of substance abuse and mental health struggles may be relevant to understanding his behavior.
In a public statement after his arrest, Høiby mentioned being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time of one incident and acknowledged struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
This aspect of the case may be explored further in court, potentially influencing the outcome. The case’s outcome will likely be closely watched, given Høiby’s connection to the royal family and the seriousness of the charges.