Son of Norway’s Crown Princess charged with 32 crimes, including 4 rape cases: Who is Marius Borg Høiby? All about the Norwegian royal family and the controversy

Various royal families across the world are often look upon by people-- be it for the way they conduct their life, fashion sense, or more. However, sometimes the royals are put in spotlight but for all the wrong reasons.

A recent such news if that of Marius Borg Høiby-- a member of the royal family of Norway-- who is in the midst of a new scandal.In a case that has shocked Norway and attracted global attention, Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with 32 serious criminal offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, and several other crimes, as per reports.

Prosecutors confirmed that Høiby will face trial in early 2026, with the charges carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years if he is convicted.

All about the royal controversy

According to Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø, Høiby is accused of raping four women, with some assaults allegedly taking place while the victims were asleep. Prosecutors also claim that in certain cases, he engaged in consensual sexual activity with the victims earlier in the day before allegedly assaulting them later.

Allegations also include that he secretly filmed sexual assaults without consent. In addition to the rape charges, Høiby faces accusations of domestic abuse against a former partner, issuing death threats, vandalism, violating restraining orders, and multiple traffic-related offenses.

Investigation timeline

Høiby’s legal troubles came to light in August 2024, when he was arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman he had been dating.

At the time, he admitted to injuring her while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, and expressed remorse, saying he wanted to seek treatment for mental health issues.Following his arrest, investigators uncovered a wider pattern of alleged abuse dating back to 2018. Some incidents reportedly occurred even after the investigation had already begun. Authorities say they have gathered photographic and video evidence to support many of the charges.

Who is Marius Borg Høiby? And what did the Norwegian Royal family say

Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Crown Princess Mette-Marit (born Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby) married Crown Prince Haakon, who is the heir to the Norwegian throne, in Oslo Cathedral August 25, 2001. They have three children: Mr Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Since Marius Borg Høiby is Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship which she had before getting married to Crown Prince Haakon, Marius Borg Høiby doesn't have a royal title and he is also not in the line of succession.However, Marius Borg Høiby is still a member of the Royal family of Norway, which makes these allegations against him a serious matter.In a brief statement, the Royal Palace emphasised that the case is strictly a matter for the courts:“Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job.”Meanwhile, Høiby’s lawyer has confirmed that he denies the most serious accusations, including rape and domestic violence, though he has admitted guilt to certain lesser charges.

His defense team has promised that he will provide his full version of events during the trial, which is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and expected to run for six weeks.

Public impact

Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø stressed the seriousness of the case, noting, “Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives,” reported the Daily Mail. He also emphasized that Høiby’s connection to the royal family would not affect how the case is handled, “The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the royal family should not mean he is treated more lightly—or more harshly—than anyone else.

”As Norway awaits the trial, the case has sparked widespread debate on celebrity accountability, domestic violence, and sexual assault, highlighting how justice systems must remain impartial even in high-profile cases.More recently, UK's Prince Andrew has also stirred up controversies in Britain as he was accused of rape of a minor and his alleged closeness to Jeffery Epstein.