Royal heir's son charged in rape case

The charges follow more than a year-long police investigation

Royal heir's son charged with four counts of rape

Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to the heir to the throne, appeared in court in Oslo on Monday after a lengthy police investigation. He faces four counts of rape and a total of 32 counts that include abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, violence against another, making death threats, and traffic violations. Prosecutors say the alleged assaults occurred while the victims were sleeping. He is free pending trial, and Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo noted there is currently no reason to arrest or jail him. The prosecutors’ office says the trial could begin in mid January and last about six weeks, according to NRK.

Hoiby was arrested last year on preliminary charges of rape, violence, and criminal damage, and has cooperated with police during questioning. His defense team says he takes the accusations seriously but does not acknowledge wrongdoing in most of the cases. The royal palace said it would be up to the courts to handle the case and reach a decision, offering no additional comment.

The case tests a long-standing question about accountability within a ceremonial monarchy. When a family member faces serious criminal allegations, public trust can hinge on how transparently the process is conducted and whether the system applies the same rules as it would for any other citizen. The event also underscores the political and social pressures surrounding royal institutions in a modern democracy. While the palace defers to the courts, observers will watch for a consistent standard of legal scrutiny and possible impacts on public perception of the monarchy.

If the legal process proceeds without special treatment, the case could set a precedent for handling future allegations involving royal figures. Depending on the outcome, it may influence debates about royal privilege, media coverage, and the pace of reforms aimed at making royal conduct more accountable to the public.

Highlights

The outcome will shape how institutions balance tradition with accountability.