Marius Borg H&oslash;iby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, is facing a massive legal battle after being charged with 32 serious offences. The charges include four counts of rape, domestic violence, illegal filming of women, traffic violations, and harassment of police.
According to prosecutors, the offences were committed against multiple women, including a former partner. H&oslash;iby is accused of secretly recording women&rsquo;s private parts without their consent, along with repeated acts of abuse.
Public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo said, &ldquo;The maximum penalty for the offences listed in the indictment is imprisonment of up to 10 years. These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives. 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.&rdquo;
H&oslash;iby has denied the allegations of rape and domestic violence. His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, stated, &ldquo;Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence. He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.&rdquo;
However, the lawyer admitted that H&oslash;iby may plead guilty to some lesser offences, while strongly rejecting the accusations of rape and domestic abuse.
The Norwegian royal family has maintained neutrality, releasing a short statement: &ldquo;It is up to the courts to hear this case and to reach a decision.&rdquo;
Marius Borg H&oslash;iby, though raised in the royal household, holds no title or official role. He grew up alongside his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and first came into public attention as a child when his mother married the crown prince.
The trial is expected next year, with a possible sentence of up to a decade in prison if convicted.

Marius Borg Høiby charged with rape, abuse, filming women, and other offences

Royal Stepson Høiby Faces 32 Charges

Marius Borg Høiby charged with rape, abuse, filming women, and other offences

August 19, 2025 | 12:46 IST