On what should have been a day of celebration for Norway’s royal family, Crown Princess Mette-Marit found her 52nd birthday overshadowed by a scandal that has sent shockwaves throughout the country and beyond. On August 19, 2025, her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, was formally charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, and other serious crimes, following a yearlong police investigation. The news, first reported by Al Jazeera and later confirmed by other outlets such as HELLO!, has sparked a national conversation about justice, privilege, and the burdens of royalty.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, is the only child from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship with Morten Borg, who himself has a criminal record. The charges against Marius include allegations of rape against four women, abuse of his former partner Nora Haukland, and violence against another ex-girlfriend. According to Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo, “This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.” Henriksbo was quick to emphasize that, “The fact that Marius Borg Hoiby 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.”
The charges were made public on August 18, just a day before the Crown Princess’s birthday. The Royal Family of Norway, perhaps attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil, posted a cheerful birthday message for Mette-Marit on their official Instagram account. The post featured a smiling photograph of the princess and the simple message: “Happy birthday to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who celebrates her birthday today.” Yet, the palace’s social media update did little to quell the swirling public debate or distract from the seriousness of the allegations facing Marius.
In a rare move, Crown Prince Haakon, the future king of Norway and Marius’s stepfather, broke his silence on the matter during a public engagement in Trondheim. While the full statement was not published in the available materials, it marked the first time the royal family publicly acknowledged the situation. The Crown Prince’s willingness to address the allegations head-on was seen by some as a sign of the family’s commitment to transparency, while others viewed it as a necessary response to mounting public scrutiny.
The legal process is now underway, with Marius Borg Høiby expected to stand trial in early 2026. If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face up to ten years in prison. The breadth and gravity of the accusations have placed unprecedented pressure on Norway’s royal family, who have historically enjoyed a relatively scandal-free public image compared to their European counterparts. The case is being watched closely not only for its legal outcome but also for what it may reveal about the intersection of privilege, accountability, and justice in modern monarchies.
This is not the first time Mette-Marit’s family background has attracted attention. Her relationship with Marius’s father, Morten Borg, who has a criminal past, was a source of controversy when she first became engaged to Crown Prince Haakon. Over the years, however, Mette-Marit worked hard to win the hearts of Norwegians, embracing her role as Crown Princess and advocating for causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and mental health. The current scandal, however, threatens to undo years of careful image-building and may test the Norwegian public’s faith in the royal institution.
Meanwhile, the royal family’s social calendar marches on, even as the shadow of the charges looms large. In related royal news, Princess Marie of Denmark is set to return to Copenhagen to attend the Copenhagen Cooking 2025 food festival as a patron, and King Charles of the United Kingdom was officially welcomed to Balmoral on August 18. Over in Spain, King Felipe cut short his family holiday amid an escalating wildfires emergency, underscoring the diverse range of challenges currently facing Europe’s royal houses.
Back in Norway, the focus remains squarely on the unfolding legal case. The Norwegian justice system, known for its rigorous adherence to due process and equality before the law, is under the microscope. State attorney Henriksbo’s comments have been widely cited in the press, reinforcing the principle that “being a royal family member should not affect the legal treatment.” For many Norwegians, this is a crucial litmus test for the country’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law.
The charges against Marius Borg Høiby have also reignited debates about the role and relevance of monarchy in the 21st century. Some commentators argue that the scandal highlights the risks of hereditary privilege and the need for greater transparency and accountability within royal families. Others, however, caution against conflating the actions of one individual with the institution as a whole, pointing out that the royal family has long been a unifying symbol for Norway and has contributed positively to national life.
Public reaction has been mixed. While some have expressed sympathy for Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who now faces the dual burden of personal anguish and public scrutiny, others have called for a thorough and impartial investigation, regardless of the family’s status. The Norwegian press has generally taken a measured tone, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations while respecting the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
As the legal proceedings move forward, all eyes will be on the Norwegian courts to see whether justice is served without fear or favor. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences—not just for Marius Borg Høiby and his family, but for the public’s perception of the monarchy itself. The case has already prompted soul-searching within Norway about the responsibilities of public figures and the importance of upholding the rule of law, even at the highest levels of society.
For now, the Norwegian royal family must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining their public duties and addressing a deeply personal crisis. With the eyes of the nation—and much of the world—upon them, the coming months will be a defining chapter in the history of Norway’s royal house.
