Norway’s royal household has been thrust into the international spotlight following the stunning indictment of Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Prosecutors on August 18, 2025, charged the 28-year-old with 32 criminal offences, including four counts of rape, in a case that has shaken the image of Scandinavia’s most popular monarchy.
While Norway is no stranger to political scandal, rarely has its royal family—long regarded as modern, grounded, and beloved by the public—faced such grave allegations involving someone so close to the throne.
Although Høiby himself is not in the line of succession, his relationship to Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit ensures the case carries enormous symbolic and political weight.
According to court filings, the charges against Høiby stem from a series of incidents spanning 2018 to 2022, primarily involving former romantic partners. Prosecutors allege that in several cases he sexually assaulted women after consensual encounters, waiting until they were asleep or incapacitated to engage in further acts.
One rape count relates to intercourse, classified as “rape with sexual intercourse” under Norwegian law. Three additional counts are categorized as “rape without intercourse.” Under the Norwegian penal code, this includes sexual penetration or contact without consent.
Prosecutors say that in at least two of the cases, Høiby filmed the assaults without the victims’ knowledge, capturing footage of their genitals. The illegal filming itself forms part of separate charges within the indictment.
Beyond rape, the indictment lists a range of other offences, including: Domestic violence against a former girlfriend, harassment and repeated threats, some directed at law enforcement.
If convicted on the most serious counts, Høiby faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Although Norway’s sentencing system often results in shorter actual jail terms, the rape charges carry significant weight, particularly given their number and the involvement of multiple victims.
The trial is set to begin in mid-January 2026 and is expected to last weeks. Evidence submitted includes witness testimony, text messages, and video files said to have been seized during the investigation.
Høiby’s lawyer, has confirmed that his client will contest the rape and domestic violence charges but may plead guilty to some lesser offences such as traffic violations or harassment. “He denies the most serious accusations,” his lawyer told Norwegian media, “and looks forward to proving his innocence in court.”
For now, Høiby remains free, protected under Norway’s presumption of innocence, though subject to monitoring by authorities.
The case has placed Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 51, in an extraordinarily difficult position. Høiby is her son from a previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. While not a prince himself and not part of the official royal household, Høiby has grown up in proximity to Norway’s monarchy, attending royal events in his youth and enjoying the privileges of royal association.
The Royal Palace has issued carefully worded statements, underscoring the family’s commitment to the judicial process while also acknowledging the emotional toll. “This is a deeply painful time for us,” Crown Prince Haakon said in his first public comment. “But the legal system must take its course. We have confidence in Norway’s justice system.”
The palace has also stressed that Høiby holds no official role within the monarchy. Still, the case directly affects Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s public image. Known for her advocacy in mental health and social causes, she now faces scrutiny over her son’s alleged actions.
Some Norwegian media outlets have published accounts from women who described Høiby as “charming but volatile,” while others have pointed to a pattern of erratic behavior documented in tabloids over the past decade.
This case is about more than one man—it strikes at the heart of Norway’s trust in its institutions. The country has prided itself on egalitarianism and transparency, with the royal family often serving as a symbol of modern democracy. Unlike the scandal-ridden British monarchy, Norway’s royals have generally been free of major controversies.
As the case moves toward trial, speculation looms about the impact on the monarchy. While Høiby is not a formal royal, the scandal threatens to overshadow Crown Prince Haakon, who is preparing to assume greater leadership as King Harald V, now 88, scales back public duties.