• Politics

    Stepson of Norway’s future king arrested on rape charges

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    Oslo – Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been formally charged by Oslo police with a series of grave offences: one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm. The charges stem from a lengthy investigation and involve a “double‑digit” number of alleged victims .

    Authorities brought forward the accusations following extensive inquiries begun in 2024, including evidence collected through text messages, eyewitness accounts, and police searches. Prosecutors confirmed that Høiby had been arrested multiple times last year on preliminary charges, including rape, assault, and criminal damage.

    Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski stated in a press conference that “we cannot disclose the exact number of victims, only that it is in the double digits”. Reports from Norwegian media, including NRK and VG, suggest there may be 15–20 alleged victims, with some earlier allegations dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

    Marius Borg Høiby—who grew up in proximity to the royal family but holds no royal title—has admitted responsibility for some violent behavior, particularly incidents linked to alcohol and cocaine use, but refutes most of the sexual offence allegations. His defence counsel, Petar Sekulic, emphasized that Høiby “takes the allegations very seriously” while denying wrongdoing in the most serious allegations.

    The Norwegian royal household has issued a brief statement acknowledging the legal process is underway and emphasizing their confidence in the judicial system, but has otherwise declined further comment. No other members of the royal family were questioned, as investigators deemed their testimony unnecessary for the case.

    Background and Public Reaction

    Høiby first came under public scrutiny in August 2024 following an alleged assault in his then-girlfriend’s Oslo apartment. He was arrested twice more later that year, including for violating a restraining order, and again in February 2025 on new rape allegations involving a public figure.

    The investigation has also exposed troubling aspects of his social circle, implicating possible use of substances and associations with individuals of criminal background. Mette‑Marit and Crown Prince Haakon have reportedly sought psychological and professional support for him amid these escalating crises.

    Public perception of the royal family, once highly favorable, has plummeted. Critics have raised questions about nepotism, lenient privilege, and the monarchy’s future credibility .

    What Comes Next

    The case will now be reviewed by the public prosecutor’s office, which must decide by late summer whether to proceed with an indictment . If charged, Høiby will stand trial in 2026 under Norway’s presumption of innocence.

    Though he lives independently near the royal residence, Høiby remains under intense media scrutiny. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and all defendants, including Høiby, are entitled to a fair trial.

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