Oslo police have formally charged Royal stepson Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, with multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. The case involves a “double-digit” number of alleged victims, according to authorities.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was first arrested in 2024 on preliminary charges. After a months-long investigation, Oslo police have now filed formal criminal charges, escalating a case that has drawn intense scrutiny in Norway and beyond.
What Are the Charges Against Marius Borg Høiby?
The charges include:
- One count of rape involving intercourse
- Two counts of rape without intercourse
- Four cases of sexual assault
- Two counts of bodily harm
Police attorney Andreas Kruszewski confirmed that the case involves multiple alleged victims but declined to provide exact numbers beyond stating it was in the “double digits.” Evidence includes witness testimonies, text messages, and findings from police searches.
Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, told The Associated Press that his client denies most allegations, particularly those related to sexual violence.
How Has the Norwegian Royal Family Responded?
The Norwegian royal palace has declined to comment, deferring to standard legal proceedings. According to the Norwegian news agency NTB, the palace stated that the matter would follow “regular legal channels.”
Høiby, once affectionately called “Little Marius” by the Norwegian press, grew up in the royal spotlight but has lived separately from the family in recent years. Despite his ties to the monarchy, he has not held an official royal role.
A Troubled Past: Høiby’s History of Personal Struggles
This isn’t the first time Høiby has made headlines for controversial reasons:
- Substance Abuse: He has publicly acknowledged past struggles with cocaine addiction.
- Family Background: His biological father, Morton Borg, served prison time for drug and violent offenses.
Høiby remains free pending trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Why This Case Matters Beyond Norway
- Royal Accountability: While Høiby is not a direct heir, his connection to the monarchy raises questions about how royal families handle scandals involving extended members.
- Legal Precedent: Norway has strict laws on sexual violence, and high-profile cases often influence public discourse on justice and victim rights.
- Media Scrutiny: The case highlights how modern royals navigate privacy versus public interest, especially when legal troubles arise.
What Happens Next?
The case will proceed through Norway’s judicial system, with a potential trial on the horizon. Given the severity of the charges and the number of alleged victims, the proceedings are likely to remain in the spotlight for months.
- Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, has been formally charged with rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm.
- Police allege a “double-digit” number of victims in the case.
- Høiby denies most allegations, particularly those involving sexual violence.
- The Norwegian royal family has declined to comment, deferring to legal processes.
- The case adds to Høiby’s history of personal struggles, including past drug use.
