Norway Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son indicted

The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess faces a 32-count indictment, including rape, as a high-profile legal process unfolds.

Norway Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Son Indicted on 32 Counts

Oslo prosecutors on Monday indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on 32 counts. The charges include multiple counts of rape and abuse, along with violence against a former partner and death threats. The indictment also lists traffic offenses. The 28-year-old, who has no royal title, has been under domestic scrutiny after a string of arrests and allegations of wrongdoing. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. He remains free while awaiting trial. State attorney Sturla Henriksbø said the trial could begin in mid January and last about six weeks. Høiby's defense attorney, Petar Sekuli, said the defendant denies the sexual abuse charges and will present a detailed account in court. Norway's royal palace said it would leave the matter to the courts and offered no further comment.

Observers note that the case tests the boundary between public status and accountability. While the palace has declined to comment beyond saying the courts will decide, the public will closely watch whether due process is followed and how evidence is presented. The timing of a high profile trial and the absence of royal privilege in this case may influence public trust in institutions and the monarchy itself. The outcome could set a precedent for how elites are treated in the Norwegian justice system.

The indictment is not just a legal event; it is a test of how a modern monarchy handles accountability. The case could fuel debates about privilege, privacy, and the role of the royal family in a constitutional democracy. If the court process is transparent and fair, it may bolster trust in Norway’s justice system. If it appears opaque or biased, it could deepen public cynicism toward elite institutions. The next steps — the trial, evidence presentation, and defense strategy — will shape the monarchy’s long-term image more than any ceremonial gesture.

Highlights

Justice will test the limits of public trust.