Norwegian Royal Stepson Faces Decade in Prison Over Allegations

The Norwegian royal family is confronting its most severe crisis in modern history as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces a staggering 32 criminal charges. The charges, formally announced by state prosecutors, include four counts of rape and multiple acts of violence, sending shockwaves through the nation and drawing intense international scrutiny to the monarchy.

What are the specific charges in the Norwegian royal family scandal?

The charges against Marius Borg Høiby are extensive and grave. Prosecutors have detailed four separate counts of rape alleged to have occurred between 2018 and 2024. Beyond the sexual violence charges, the list includes multiple acts of physical assault, domestic abuse against a former partner, vandalism, and the non-consensual filming of women. State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø described the case as involving very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives. Evidence gathered includes text messages, witness testimonies, and digital material seized from the defendant’s phone, which allegedly contains videos of some incidents. The most serious charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to ten years, with prosecutors emphasizing that his royal connections will not afford him any special treatment under the law.

A Detailed Timeline of the Investigation

The path to these charges began in August 2024 when Høiby was first arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend in Oslo’s Frogner district, an incident that left the alleged victim hospitalized with a concussion. The case expanded rapidly. He was arrested again in September for allegedly violating a restraining order connected to the initial investigation. By November, the scope had widened significantly with his arrest on preliminary rape charges. The police investigation, methodical and far-reaching, uncovered a pattern of behavior that led to the current 32 charges. Notably, one of the alleged rapes is said to have occurred after the police investigation was already underway, demonstrating a brazen disregard for the ongoing legal process.

The Impact on the Norwegian Monarchy

This burgeoning Norwegian royal family scandal represents an unprecedented challenge to the institution. While Høiby does not hold a royal title and is not in the line of succession, his close maternal link to the throne has placed the entire monarchy under a harsh spotlight. Experts are calling it the greatest crisis for the Norwegian royal family since the country’s independence in 1905. The palace has maintained a strict silence, issuing only a brief statement affirming that it is now a matter for the courts to decide. This approach highlights the immense pressure the family is under to distance the institution from the actions of one of its members, navigating a fine line between family loyalty and public duty.

The trial for Marius Borg Høiby is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and is expected to last for six weeks. His defense attorney has stated that while his client takes the accusations seriously, he does not acknowledge wrongdoing in most cases, particularly those concerning sexual abuse and violence. As this Norwegian royal family scandal continues to unfold, the world will be watching Oslo, awaiting a verdict that promises to have lasting implications for both justice and the crown. For further information on legal proceedings in Norway, consult the official Norwegian Courts Administration.

Must Know

What is Marius Borg Høiby accused of?
Marius Borg Høiby faces 32 criminal charges, including four counts of rape, multiple acts of violence and assault, domestic abuse, vandalism, and non-consensual filming. The allegations span several years and involve multiple victims.

Is Marius Borg Høiby in line for the Norwegian throne?
No, Marius Borg Høiby is not in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne. He is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and does not hold a royal title, which limits his official role within the monarchy.

How has the Norwegian royal family responded to the charges?
The Norwegian royal palace has issued a very limited response, stating that the matter is now for the judicial system to handle. They have emphasized that the courts must be left to hear the case and reach a decision without royal interference or commentary.

What is the possible prison sentence for these charges?
The most serious charges, including rape, carry a maximum prison sentence of up to ten years if there are aggravating circumstances. The final sentence would be determined by the court based on the evidence presented during the trial.

When will the trial take place?
The trial against Marius Borg Høiby is currently scheduled to begin in January 2026. Legal experts anticipate that the court proceedings could extend for up to six weeks due to the complexity and number of charges.