Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to stand trial this week in a high-profile case involving multiple serious criminal charges. The 29-year-old was indicted in August following a lengthy investigation and will appear before the Oslo District Court, with proceedings expected to continue until mid-March.
According to prosecutors, the indictment comprises 38 counts, including four alleged rapes said to have occurred between 2018 and November 2024. The charges also include abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another partner, death threats, and several traffic violations.
Høiby is further accused of transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, adding to the gravity of the case. Prosecutors have stated that if convicted on all major counts, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. He has remained free pending trial despite multiple arrests in 2024 related to the investigation.
Also Read: Yoon Suk Yeol Could Face Death Penalty in South Korea's Martial Law Insurrection Trial
The case also involves allegations of repeated violence and threats against a former partner between mid-2022 and late 2023, as well as violations of a restraining order. Høiby’s defence lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has said his client denies all charges of sexual abuse and most allegations related to violence, and will present his version of events before the court.
Høiby, who has no royal title or official duties, is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. In a rare public comment, the Crown Prince said he and Crown Princess Mette-Marit would not attend the trial and that the royal household would refrain from commenting during the proceedings, stressing that Høiby is a private citizen subject to the same laws as others.
The case has unsettled the Norwegian public, where the royal family traditionally enjoys strong support. Royal commentator Tove Taalesen described the past year and a half as “shocking” for the nation, though opinion polls suggest continued trust in King Harald and Queen Sonja, along with sympathy for the crown prince and princess as the trial unfolds.
Also Read: Warden Accused of Sexually Abusing Deaf Blind Mute Students in Odisha School