Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, has been formally charged with 32 criminal offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, and a series of other serious crimes. The announcement, made by Norwegian prosecutors on Monday, August 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the country and reignited debates about justice and accountability for those connected to royal families.
According to Reuters and broadcaster NRK, the charges against Høiby, who is 28 years old, stem from a year-long investigation that began after his arrest on August 4, 2024. At that time, he was taken into custody on suspicion of assaulting a girlfriend. The investigation, led by Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø, uncovered a pattern of alleged criminal behavior spanning several years. The most serious allegations include four rapes, with incidents reportedly occurring in 2018, 2023, and 2024—the last taking place after police had already started their inquiry.
The full list of charges is lengthy and grave. In addition to the rape counts, Høiby faces accusations of domestic abuse against a former partner, repeated acts of violence, disturbing the peace, vandalism, violating restraining orders, and harassment. Particularly disturbing are charges that he secretly filmed the genitals of several women without their knowledge or consent, as detailed by France 24. Prosecutor Henriksbø emphasized the severity of the allegations during a press briefing, stating, "These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives." He also addressed concerns about potential royal privilege, adding, "The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others."
Høiby’s legal team, led by lawyer Petar Sekulic, has acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations but maintains that he denies the most severe charges, particularly those relating to sexual abuse and violence. Sekulic told Reuters, "He does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence," though Høiby intends to plead guilty to some lesser charges when his trial begins. Among the charges he admits to are assault and vandalism in the August 2024 incident, for which he was originally arrested. In a public statement made ten days after his arrest, Høiby explained that he had acted "under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument," and revealed he has struggled "for a long time with substance abuse" and mental health difficulties. He expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the harm caused.
The legal process is expected to be both lengthy and closely watched. Prosecutors estimate that the trial will begin in mid-January 2026 and could last about six weeks, as reported by NRK. If convicted of the most serious offenses, Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty confirmed by multiple outlets including AFP and News18. For now, he remains free pending trial, with authorities stating there is no immediate reason to detain him further.
Høiby’s background has made the case especially prominent in Norwegian society. Born from a relationship prior to Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, he was thrust into the national spotlight at the age of four when his mother joined the royal family. Raised alongside his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra (now 21) and Prince Sverre Magnus (19), Høiby has never held an official royal title or public role and is outside the line of succession. Despite growing up in the royal household, he has lived a more private life compared to his step-siblings, who are active in official capacities.
The Norwegian royal palace has responded to the scandal with restraint, issuing a brief statement to Reuters and other media: "It is up to the courts to hear this case and to reach a decision." The palace has refrained from further comment, indicating a desire to respect judicial independence and avoid any perception of interference. This stance has been echoed by prosecutors, who have repeatedly stressed that Høiby’s royal connections should neither benefit nor disadvantage him in the eyes of the law.
Public reaction in Norway has been intense, with many grappling with the implications of the charges for both the royal family and the country’s legal system. The case has prompted discussions about the responsibilities of public figures, the challenges of substance abuse and mental health, and the importance of holding everyone—regardless of background—accountable for their actions. For some, the fact that Høiby is facing the full weight of the law is a sign of Norway’s commitment to equality before the courts. Others, however, worry about the impact of the scandal on the reputation of the royal family and on broader public trust.
The allegations themselves are deeply troubling. According to the indictment, the four rapes for which Høiby is charged allegedly occurred over a six-year span, with the final incident taking place even after police began their investigation. The charges of secretly filming women’s genitals without consent add another layer of violation and have sparked renewed conversations in Norway about privacy, consent, and the need for robust legal protections for victims of sexual crimes.
Høiby’s admission of guilt in the August 2024 assault and vandalism incident has been widely reported. He told the media that he was "under the influence of cocaine and alcohol" at the time and has since expressed remorse for his behavior. His public acknowledgment of "mental troubles" and long-term struggles with substance abuse has drawn some sympathy, but also raised questions about the adequacy of support systems for those facing such challenges—particularly when their actions have harmed others.
As the trial date approaches, Norway finds itself at a crossroads. The case will test not only the country’s legal system but also its values of fairness, transparency, and accountability. For the royal family, the ordeal represents a painful and highly public chapter, one that underscores the limits of privacy for those in the national spotlight. For Høiby, the coming months will determine his future—and perhaps offer a broader lesson about the consequences of personal actions, regardless of one’s birth or status.
With the world watching, Norwegian authorities have pledged to handle the case with impartiality and rigor. As prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø put it, "It’s up to the judges to decide if he is guilty." The outcome will be closely followed not just in Norway, but around the globe, as it raises enduring questions about justice, privilege, and the responsibilities of those who live in the public eye.
The Norwegian public, meanwhile, waits for the courts to do their work, hoping that the process will deliver both truth and accountability.
