Son of Norway crown princess indicted on rape charges

Norway prosecutors indict Marius Borg Høiby on multiple charges including rape.

Son of Norway crown princess indicted on rape and other charges

Oslo prosecutors on Monday indicted Marius Borg Høiby on 32 counts including rape and abuse in a close relationship. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The investigation stretched over time and Høiby is currently free pending trial. Prosecutors expect the trial to start in mid January and last about six weeks.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and has no royal title or official duties. His defense says he takes the accusations seriously but does not acknowledge any wrongdoing in most cases, particularly those involving sexual abuse and violence. The royal palace said the case is for the courts to decide and there is nothing to add beyond that.

This case places the Norwegian monarchy under a fresh kind of public scrutiny. A criminal case against a royal family member tests whether the legal system can apply the same rules to everyone, regardless of status. The outcome could influence how Norwegians view the monarchy and its long standing role in a modern democracy. The courtroom will be the stage where private life and public accountability intersect, and that intersection matters for trust in institutions.

The story also highlights how media attention shapes perception. Clear, formal procedures and timely updates are essential to avoid turning a serious crime into a spectacle. A fair, transparent process can protect both the accused and the institution while clarifying what accountability looks like in a constitutional monarchy.

Highlights

The course of justice will shape how the public sees accountability and royal life.