Crown Princess's Son Faces Serious Charges Including Rape

Marius Borg Høiby, 28, has been charged with serious crimes, including four counts of rape and stalking violations, while he plans to plead guilty to lesser offenses.

Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with 32 serious offenses, including four counts of rape, according to prosecutors. These charges stem from alleged abusive behavior towards a former partner and violations of restraining orders against another. Høiby, who was born from a relationship prior to his mother's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the future king, has denied the most severe allegations, though attorney Petar Sekulic indicated that Høiby intends to plead guilty to lesser charges as the trial approaches.

If convicted of the major charges, Høiby could face a maximum of ten years in prison. Among the serious accusations are claims that he filmed women without their consent; instances that underline the gravity of the charges against him. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø indicated that the alleged rapes occurred between 2018 and 2024, with one claim arising after his arrest.

Høiby faced arrests on three occasions last year—August, September, and November—beginning with an investigation related to assault. By June, Norwegian authorities identified him as a suspect in three instances of rape alongside several other offenses. The upcoming trial is anticipated to start in January and could span approximately six weeks. For those who may need support regarding sexual abuse or violence, resources and help can be found at bbc.co.uk/actionline or via a helpline at 0800 077 077.