Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged by Oslo police following a comprehensive investigation. The charges include multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm, stemming from a case involving a “double-digit” number of alleged victims.
The announcement, made on Friday, June 27, 2025, marks a significant development in a case that has kept Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old stepson of Crown Prince Haakon (heir to the Norwegian throne), under scrutiny for months.
Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski of the Oslo Police District confirmed the charges, detailing the specific counts against Høiby. These include:
One case of rape involving intercourse
Two cases described as rape without intercourse
Four counts of sexual assault
Two counts of bodily harm
The investigation leading to these charges was extensive, drawing on evidence gathered from various sources such as text messages, witness testimonies, and police searches. Kruszewski stated that Høiby cooperated during the police questioning phase, which is now complete.
Marius Borg Høiby has faced police attention previously, having been repeatedly arrested in 2024 in connection with initial allegations of rape and preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage.
Response and Legal Status
Marius Borg Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated that his client is taking the accusations very seriously. However, Sekulic also conveyed that Høiby “doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases,” specifically denying the cases related to sexual abuse and violence.
The Norwegian Royal Palace has declined to comment on the charges at this time. According to the Norwegian newswire NTB, the palace indicated it would not issue a statement while the case proceeds through “normal procedures.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Marius Borg Høiby remains free pending a possible trial. In the Norwegian legal system, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until a court delivers a ruling in the case.
Background Context
Marius Borg Høiby holds no official public role within the Norwegian royal family. He was born from Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. He was raised alongside his stepsiblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. While he previously resided with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, his attorney confirmed he now lives in a separate house nearby the royal residence.
His upbringing under public attention has included unique challenges. His biological father, Morton Borg, had a history of convictions for drug and violent offenses. Marius Borg Høiby himself has previously acknowledged past cocaine use and addiction. Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s own background, as a single mother with a companion convicted on drug charges, drew significant media attention at the time of her engagement to Crown Prince Haakon.
This case has generated substantial public interest and is considered top news in Norway, where the royal family enjoys considerable popularity.
