Picture taken on June 16, 2022 in Oslo, Norway, shows Marius Borg Høiby sitting next to his mother Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Oslo is reeling from a scandal involving the Norwegian royal family. Police have officially charged Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, with multiple serious offenses—including rape and sexual assault. The case has gained national attention, casting a shadow over one of Norway’s most beloved families.
High-Profile Charges Against Crown Princess’s Son
Oslo police announced on Friday that Høiby, 28, faces several grave charges. These include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault, and two charges of bodily harm. The police confirmed that the case involves a “double-digit” number of alleged victims.
The announcement follows a lengthy investigation involving multiple arrests in 2024. Høiby had been under scrutiny for months before the charges were made public.
Evidence Points to Texts and Witnesses
According to Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski, investigators gathered evidence from text messages, witness statements, and police searches. He noted that Høiby was cooperative during police interviews, and all questioning has been completed.
However, Kruszewski declined to provide specific details about the victims, citing the sensitive nature of the case.
Høiby Maintains Partial Denial
Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, responded to the charges via email. He stated that Høiby is taking the allegations “very seriously” but denies most of the accusations—particularly those relating to sexual abuse and violence.
Sekulic also confirmed that Høiby now lives separately from the royal household, though still nearby.
Royal Palace Keeps Silent
The Norwegian royal palace has refrained from commenting. A brief statement to national media said it would not provide remarks while the legal process continues.
This silence contrasts with the public’s growing interest in the case, which has dominated headlines across Norway. With the royal family held in high esteem, the news has sparked both disbelief and concern among citizens.
A Royal Childhood in the Spotlight
Marius Borg Høiby is no stranger to public attention. Once affectionately known as “Little Marius,” he grew up alongside Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus as part of the royal household.
Though not in line for the throne, Høiby enjoyed royal privileges throughout his youth. His biological father, Morton Borg, has a criminal record involving drug and violent offenses—adding further complexity to Høiby’s background.
Høiby has openly admitted to past cocaine use and struggles with addiction, which have also contributed to his controversial image.
A Complex Royal Legacy
The Crown Princess herself stirred controversy in 2001 when she married Crown Prince Haakon. A single mother at the time, Mette-Marit had been in a relationship with a man convicted of drug offenses. Their marriage initially met with public criticism but eventually gained wide acceptance.
Now, decades later, her son’s legal troubles threaten to reopen debates about the royal family’s private lives and responsibilities.
Awaiting Trial, Presumed Innocent
As of now, Høiby remains free and has not been convicted. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court. The case is expected to proceed through normal judicial channels.
Observers across Norway—and the world—are watching closely. This high-profile case involving royal family allegations of rape and assault has the potential to shape public discourse on privilege, justice, and accountability for years to come.
