A member of Norway’s royal family is confronting a series of grave criminal allegations following a lengthy police investigation. Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with nine offenses, including three separate counts of rape.
According to statements from law enforcement in Oslo, the charges encompass a range of serious crimes. The indictment includes one count of rape involving intercourse, two additional rape charges under a different legal definition, four counts of sexual assault, and two allegations of causing bodily harm. The investigation, which has unfolded over several months, is reported to involve a significant number of alleged victims.
The case first entered the public sphere in August of last year with the individual’s initial arrest. Since that time, the scope of the accusations has widened, leading to multiple subsequent arrests on charges including breach of a restraining order and further allegations of sexual violence. Police have indicated their evidence includes digital communications, witness testimonies, and materials obtained through search warrants.
Through his legal representative, the accused has stated he takes the allegations seriously but contests the majority of the claims, particularly those concerning violence and sexual abuse. He has publicly acknowledged struggles with mental health and past substance abuse, citing these factors in connection with an earlier incident of property damage and assault for which he expressed remorse.
The individual, who holds no formal role within the royal household, is currently not in custody as the judicial process continues. The allegations span several years, with one incident reportedly occurring at a private gathering on royal grounds in 2018.
The unfolding legal proceedings are set against a backdrop of prior personal controversies, including publicly disclosed stays at rehabilitation clinics. The case remains active, with a potential trial pending.
