Marius Borg Høiby, the now-28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit cratered into deep trouble. Yet he has been charged with 32 criminal offenses, creating significant legal hurdles for him and his family. The charges consist of one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without sexual intercourse. Much of the purported offences were allegedly filmed on Høiby’s phone. Together, these circumstances pose little doubt that the circumstances of the accusations is not bad faith.
The charges are the result of an extensive police investigation. In November 2024, Høiby was held in custody for a week as part of this investigation. For one, he’s not a royal—not formally, anyway—having renounced his royal title and removed himself from the royal line of succession. Yet, it’s his family connections that bring even greater public scrutiny on the case. If found guilty on the most serious charges, Høiby could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Høiby has firmly refuted the allegations of rape and domestic violence of the most egregious sort, which have been made public. His attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated, “He does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence.” He’s expected to plead guilty to a reduced number of lesser charges. This includes pleading guilty to admitting that while he was on cocaine and alcohol, he severely injured a woman and that he destroyed her apartment.
The royal palace’s reaction to this addition has been to state that such a case will need to be addressed within the judicial sphere. “It is up to the courts to hear this case and to reach a decision,” said a palace representative. The trial is likely to begin in early 2024, at which point evidence will be introduced and arguments presented.
Legal expert Sturla Henriksboe added, “It’s up to the judges to decide if he is guilty.” This announcement further highlights the importance of due process as Marius Borg Høiby awaits his day in court.
