Norway’s royal family is facing one of its most turbulent chapters in decades after prosecutors indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on 32 criminal charges—including four counts of rape—following a lengthy investigation. The announcement, made on August 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through Norwegian society and cast a somber shadow over what should have been a celebratory week for the princess, who turned 52 on August 19.
According to the Associated Press, Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø detailed the breadth of the indictment, which includes not only rape but also abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another, making death threats, disturbing the peace, vandalism, violation of restraining orders, and traffic violations. Even more troubling, Høiby is accused of filming the genitals of several women without their knowledge or consent. "The maximum penalty for the offences listed in the indictment is imprisonment of up to 10 years," Henriksbø told reporters, emphasizing the gravity of the situation: "These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives."
The 28-year-old Høiby, who has no royal title or official duties and is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been under scrutiny since a series of arrests last year. In August 2024, police took him into custody after he allegedly attacked a woman in her 20s both psychologically and physically. Just a month later, he was re-arrested for violating a restraining order after "an incident in an apartment," as reported by various Norwegian outlets.
Høiby’s own words, delivered in a public statement at the time of his first arrest, paint a picture of remorse but also personal turmoil: "Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument. The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police. For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards. Being pursued by photographers and journalists at a time like this I know has been tough to stand in."
The legal process, however, is far from over. Henriksbø told broadcaster NRK that there was currently no reason to arrest or jail Høiby, who remains free pending trial. The trial, expected to begin in mid-January 2026 and last around six weeks, could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years if Høiby is convicted of the most serious charges.
Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, responded to the indictment with a firm denial of the most serious accusations. In an emailed statement, Sekulic said, "Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence." Sekulic added that Høiby "will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court." According to Reuters, Høiby plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges but will contest the most severe allegations, including rape and domestic violence.
The royal palace, for its part, has chosen to remain largely silent. In a brief statement, the palace said that it was up to the courts to handle the case and that it had nothing further to add. This stance underscores the Norwegian monarchy’s commitment to the principle that justice should be blind, regardless of a defendant’s family connections. "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," Henriksbø noted, reinforcing this sentiment during his remarks to the press.
While the allegations are grave, the royal family’s public response has focused on continuity and duty. On August 19, Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation publicly for the first time since the charges were announced. Speaking at the opening of an industry conference, he said, "We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do. Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult." According to Reuters, the Crown Prince emphasized that the matter must be decided by Norway’s courts, not by public opinion or the press.
The investigation into Høiby’s conduct began in August 2024, when police named him as a suspect in a physical assault against a former partner. Høiby, who is the older half-brother of Princess Ingrid Alexandra (second in line to the throne after her father Haakon), has no royal title and is outside the line of succession. This fact, while perhaps offering some distance for the monarchy from the scandal, does little to ease the emotional strain on the family—especially for Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has spent her 52nd birthday under the cloud of her son’s indictment.
Norwegian media have reported that the royal family has faced intense scrutiny, not only from the press but also from a public grappling with the intersection of privilege, accountability, and justice. The palace’s insistence on letting the courts decide, and Crown Prince Haakon’s pledge to continue official duties, reflect a desire to uphold both the dignity of the institution and the rule of law. Yet, the emotional toll is unmistakable. As Haakon put it, "Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult."
Looking ahead, the trial promises to be a high-profile event, with proceedings likely to attract significant attention both in Norway and internationally. The outcome could have far-reaching implications—not only for Høiby himself but also for public perceptions of the Norwegian monarchy and its role in modern society. The palace’s measured response and the justice system’s methodical approach will be closely watched as the case unfolds.
For now, Norway waits. The royal family continues its public duties, even as private anguish lingers in the background. The nation’s courts prepare to weigh evidence and testimony in a case that has already left an indelible mark on the country’s royal narrative.
