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Royal relative faces serious charges in Oslo

Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces rape and domestic violence charges in Norway; trial could start in January.

August 18, 2025 at 05:41 PM
blur Son of Norway's crown princess charged with rape and domestic violence

Marius Borg Hoiby, the oldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges, according to Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksboe.

Son of Norway crown princess charged with rape and domestic violence

Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksboe said Hoiby is charged with 32 offences, including one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which were filmed on his phone. He is also charged with making death threats, abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, and acts of violence against another. Hoiby denies the most serious accusations and plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges, his lawyer said. He was arrested in November 2024 after a year-long police investigation and held in detention for a week. The trial could start as early as January and is expected to last about six weeks. He is free pending trial.

The royal palace said the case will be decided by the courts and offered no additional comment. Hoiby is the son of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and is not in the official line of succession nor does he hold a royal title. Observers note that the distinction between private life and public role remains central as the legal process proceeds.

Key Takeaways

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The defendant faces serious charges including rape and threats
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The case emerged from a year-long police investigation
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The legal process is led by the Norwegian courts, not royal authorities
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The royal palace has limited public commentary while the case is ongoing
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Public trust in the monarchy could be influenced by the case outcomes
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The proceedings will run in court, not through royal channels
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Hoiby denies the most serious allegations and may plead guilty to lesser charges

"The charges come following a year-long police investigation."

Prosecutor's description of the timeline

"This case tests how the public weighs royal privilege against accountability."

Editorial insight on trust and accountability

"Hoiby denies the most serious claims and plans to plead guilty to lesser charges."

Defense statement quoted in court filings

"The palace said the courts will decide and offered no further comment."

Royal household response

This case tests how a modern monarchy handles serious criminal allegations involving a relative. It puts the emphasis on due process rather than image management and raises questions about transparency and accountability for all, regardless of status. The public will watch closely to see how Dutch–style privacy norms intersect with a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. For Norway, the outcome could influence trust in the monarchy as an institution that is meant to serve the people, not shield its members.

More broadly, the case highlights the pressure on media coverage of royal figures and the needs of victims who seek accountability. A careful, factual narrative is essential to avoid sensationalism while ensuring that the legal process remains the central focus of public interest.

Highlights

  • No one is above the law not even royalty
  • Justice must run its course even for royal relatives
  • Victims deserve a clear path through the courts
  • The palace will watch the legal process unfold

Sensitive legal matter involving a royal family member

The charges involve a member of the royal family and reference sexual violence. The case touches on public trust in the monarchy and could provoke broad public reaction and scrutiny of royal privacy versus accountability.

The court will decide the truth, and the monarchy will be judged by the result.

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