Introduction
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is at the center of a deepening legal and royal scandal. He is suspected of committing three rapes and 23 other offenses, according to the Oslo Police District. Høiby, who does not hold a royal title, has been under investigation for nearly a year, and the case has now been handed over to prosecutors for a decision on formal charges.
Who is Marius Borg Høiby?
Marius, 28, is the eldest child of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to Norway’s throne. Although he is not in line for the throne and has no royal duties, Høiby has been a recognizable public figure due to his familial ties to the Norwegian monarchy.
The Allegations and Timeline
According to police attorney Andreas Kruszewski, the accusations include:
- Three counts of rape
- Four instances of sexually offensive behavior
- One count of abuse in a close relationship
- Two counts of bodily harm
- Additional offenses amounting to a total of 23 beyond the rape charges
Høiby was arrested three times in 2024—August, September, and November. The investigation officially began after his first arrest on 4 August 2024, related to an assault allegation. Since then, police have conducted “a large number of witness interviews, several searches, and reviewed extensive digital material.”
Legal Developments
The investigation lasted 10 months and involved multiple police interviews with Høiby during the autumn of 2024 and spring of 2025. While some cases involving sexual offenses were dropped due to “statute of limitations and evidentiary reasons,” a significant number of allegations remain active.
Police have confirmed that there is a “double-digit” number of alleged victims, though further specifics were not disclosed. Høiby’s attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated that his client is cooperating with authorities and “doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases – especially those involving sexual abuse and violence.”
Royal Reaction
The Royal House of Norway issued a brief statement, indicating that the case is being handled by the legal system and refrained from further comments. This approach reflects the institution’s effort to remain neutral while distancing itself from the personal actions of an individual not holding an official title or role.
Public and Media Response
The case has attracted significant media coverage across Europe and sparked public debate in Norway. The scandal challenges perceptions of royal integrity and puts a spotlight on how royal families manage crises involving extended family members.
Implications Moving Forward
The case now lies in the hands of the prosecution service. If charges are formally filed, it may result in a trial that could significantly impact the public image of the Norwegian royal family. While Marius Borg Høiby is not a working royal, the legal and reputational consequences could ripple through the monarchy and Norwegian public institutions.
Conclusion
This case underscores that no one is above the law, regardless of social or familial status. As the legal process unfolds, the world will be watching to see how justice is served in a case that touches both royal prestige and serious criminal allegations.
For more updates on global legal developments and royal controversies, visit The Morning News Informer.
This case was first reported by BBC News, which confirmed that Høiby was arrested three times and faces a range of charges, including rape and abuse in a close relationship.
According to a legal overview by Reuters, the Norwegian judicial system requires the prosecution to now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to press formal charges.
For context on Norwegian law and ongoing updates, readers can visit the official website of the Oslo Police District.
