Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been formally charged with several serious offences following a lengthy police investigation.
The 28-year-old appeared in court on Monday facing 32 counts in total, including four counts of rape, four of sexual assault and two of bodily harm. Prosecutors allege the offences took place over several years, with some incidents said to have occurred while women were asleep.
Mr Høiby is also accused of violent behaviour towards former partners, including ex-girlfriend and reality TV star Nora Haukland. Presenting the indictment, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø said: "This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives."
He added that Mr Hoiby’s position as a member of the Royal Family should not mean that he receives special treatment or leniency under the law.
Royal charged with four counts of rape in legal update
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If convicted, Mr Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison. A six-week trial is scheduled for January, as reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
The case has been under investigation for more than a year. According to police, evidence includes text messages, witness statements and findings from searches. Mr Høiby has reportedly cooperated with questioning.
Mr Høiby has no official role within the Norwegian Royal Family. Born before his mother’s 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, he was raised alongside Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, but now lives separately near the family estate.
His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, told GB News in a statement: "Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence. He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court."
State Attorney Sturla Henriksbo addresses the press to report on the indictment of Marius Borg Hoiby
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Mr Sekulic previously said: "He is absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn't acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence."
The charges follow a series of arrests last year on preliminary accusations of rape, violence and criminal damage.
In August 2023, he was detained after an incident involving his then-girlfriend, Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, who required hospital treatment. Her legal team has since denied they were in a relationship.
Following that arrest, Mr Høiby released a statement through his lawyer, saying he was battling personal struggles: "Last weekend something happened that should never have happened.
"I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument. I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges."
Marius Borg Høiby with his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon
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The statement continued: "I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend.
"I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police. For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards."
Since then, Mr Høiby is reported to have spent time in rehabilitation facilities and has occasionally been spotted abroad. He was arrested again in September on suspicion of breaching a restraining order and in November on further charges.
Authorities later restricted his communications while in custody over concerns about potential interference with evidence. His trial is expected to draw significant public attention in Norway, given his family connections, though he does not carry out royal duties.