The Norwegian Palace has released a statement on its Crown Princess’s 52nd birthday, as her son Marius Borg Høiby faces serious rape charges.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, is celebrating her 52nd birthday today.
A new official birthday photograph, taken by Carina Johansen, was shared on the Royal Family’s Instagram with the caption: “Happy birthday to Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, who celebrates her birthday today!”
However, her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, though not a titled royal, has been formally indicted on 32 criminal offences.
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|Norwegian Palace issues statement as Crown Princess’s son faces rape charges
These include four counts of rape, domestic abuse, threats, and covert filming of women without their consent.
These actions are alleged to have spanned from 2018 to 2024, with some purported incidents occurring even after police initiated their investigation.
Petar Sekulic, Mr Høiby's lawyer, told GB News on Monday: "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."
In response to mounting public attention, the royal household has maintained a deliberately measured tone.
Spokeswoman Sara Svanemyr told GB News: “It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision.”
The Palace is intent on upholding judicial neutrality and avoiding public commentary on an active legal process.
The case, along with the Palace’s modest response, has come amid growing scrutiny of the Norwegian monarchy.
REUTERS | State Attorney Sturla Henriksbo addresses the press to report on the indictment of Marius Borg Hoiby
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GETTY | Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship
Multiple surveys suggest that the scandal involving Mr Høiby has eroded public support.
A poll carried out in September 2024 revealed record-low levels of support for Norway’s monarchy. When asked if Crown Prince Haakon should be the country’s final King, only 40 per cent of respondents rejected the idea.
At the same time, pressure is mounting on his sister, Princess Märtha Louise, either to renounce her title or have it withdrawn by their father, King Harald.
The Norstat survey, commissioned by the newspaper Dagsavisen, found that 35 per cent of Norwegians would now prefer to replace the monarchy with a republic, an increase from under 20 per cent just a few years earlier. Roughly a quarter of those surveyed said they were undecided.
Despite the decline, a majority of Norwegians still favour maintaining the monarchy.
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