Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s crown princess, has become the focus of a major legal and media storm after Oslo police formally charged him with rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. The investigation, ongoing for nearly a year, has led to a total of 23 criminal charges, including three counts of rape, four of sexual assault, two of bodily harm, and multiple violations of restraining orders and road traffic offenses. Høiby, who is 28 years old and does not hold a royal title, is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship.
The charges against Marius Borg Høiby have sent shockwaves through Norway, where the royal family is widely respected. Police have collected evidence including text messages, witness statements, and property searches. Andreas Kruszewski, Oslo Police Attorney, confirmed that Høiby was cooperative during interrogations and that the investigation is now concluded. Høiby is currently free and presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Key Points at a Glance
- Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s crown princess, faces 23 criminal charges.
- Charges include rape, sexual assault, bodily harm, and restraining order violations.
- The case involves a “double-digit” number of alleged victims.
- Evidence gathered includes text messages, witness testimonies, and police searches.
- Høiby denies wrongdoing in most cases, especially those involving sexual abuse and violence.
- He remains free and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Breaking Down the Charges and Investigation
The allegations against Marius Borg Høiby are serious and have unfolded over the past year. The investigation began in August 2024, when Høiby was arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. This initial incident led to further scrutiny and a series of new allegations from multiple women, including former partners.
Police have detailed the charges as follows:
- One count of rape involving intercourse
- Two counts of rape without intercourse
- Four counts of sexual assault
- Two counts of bodily harm
- Additional charges for violations of restraining orders and road traffic offenses
Police have stated that the alleged victims number in the double digits, though they have not specified an exact figure. The investigation has relied on digital evidence such as text messages, as well as physical searches and interviews with witnesses. Høiby’s defense attorney has stated that while his client takes the accusations seriously, he denies wrongdoing in most of the cases, particularly those concerning sexual abuse and violence.
Media and Public Reaction
The case has dominated headlines across Norway and internationally. The royal family, usually admired for its openness, has faced unprecedented scrutiny. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have not made public statements specifically about the case, though Prince Haakon previously expressed confidence in the police and judiciary.
On social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, the story has sparked intense discussions. Many users express shock at the scope of the allegations, while others emphasize the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence. The case has also reignited debates about accountability, mental health, and the pressures of public life.
The Norwegian palace has maintained a strict policy of not commenting on ongoing legal matters involving family members. This approach has been met with mixed reactions, as some citizens demand more transparency, while others respect the family’s privacy.
Timeline of Major Developments
To provide clarity, here is a summary of the most significant events in the Marius Borg Høiby case:
- August 2024: Høiby is arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, initiating the investigation.
- September 2024: He is arrested again for violating a restraining order.
- November 2024: Additional rape allegations emerge, and Høiby is detained multiple times.
- June 2025: Police conclude their investigation and formally charge Høiby with 23 offenses, including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm.
Throughout the process, Høiby has cooperated with authorities and publicly denied most of the allegations. He has also acknowledged struggles with mental health and substance abuse, stating that he is committed to ongoing treatment.
What Lies Ahead for Marius Borg Høiby?
With the investigation concluded and formal charges filed, the legal process will now move forward. Høiby remains at liberty and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case is expected to proceed to trial, where evidence will be presented and witnesses will testify.
The outcome of the trial will have significant implications not only for Høiby but also for the Norwegian royal family. The case has already tested public perception of the monarchy and raised questions about how the institution handles private matters that become public controversies.
As the legal process unfolds, media attention is likely to remain intense. The public will be watching closely to see how justice is served and how the royal family navigates this unprecedented challenge.
Conclusion
The charges against Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s crown princess, represent one of the most serious legal crises to involve a member of the royal family in recent memory. With 23 criminal charges and a “double-digit” number of alleged victims, the case has captured national and international attention. Høiby denies wrongdoing in most of the allegations, and the legal process will determine the final outcome.
For now, the story of Marius Borg Høiby serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and responsibilities that come with public life, even for those who are not official members of the royal family. The case also highlights the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, even in the face of serious allegations.
Stay updated on the latest developments in the Marius Borg Høiby case by following trusted news sources and official statements from Norwegian authorities. For those affected by similar issues, support is available through confidential helplines and support organizations.