Norwegian prosecutors have formally indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on 32 criminal counts following an extensive investigation, Euronews reports.
The charges, announced on Monday by Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø, include multiple counts of rape, domestic violence against former partners, death threats, and traffic violations. If convicted on the most severe charges, Høiby – stepson of Norway’s future king, Crown Prince Haakon – could face a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.
The indictment specifies charges spanning physical and sexual violence. These include one count of rape with sexual intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of causing bodily harm.
Prosecutors indicated that their investigation, which involved numerous witness interviews and digital evidence reviews, identified a double-digit number of victims, though some potential charges were dismissed due to statutes of limitations and evidentiary challenges. Despite the gravity of these accusations, prosecutors currently see no grounds for detaining Høiby pending trial, allowing him to remain free until proceedings commence.
The trial is provisionally scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and expected to last approximately six weeks.
Defence attorney Petar Sekulic has issued a firm rebuttal to the indictment, stating his client “denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.” Sekulic further confirmed that Høiby will “present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”
The Royal Palace has adopted a position of strict neutrality, issuing a brief statement confirming that it is up to the courts to handle the case and reach a decision.
Høiby holds no royal title or official duties within Norway’s monarchy, stemming from his status as the Crown Princess’s son from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. His legal troubles have unfolded under intense public scrutiny following multiple arrests throughout 2024.
