- Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess, is suspected of three rapes. Additionally, there are 23 other offenses following a year-long police investigation.
- He was arrested three times in 2024 and has been accused of sexual misconduct, assault, and abuse in close relationships.
- The case has been handed to prosecutors. Meanwhile, public pressure mounts on the royal family and legal system to act transparently and fairly.
Norway’s royal family is reeling as a deeply troubling case unfolds involving Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. While Høiby holds no official title or royal duties, his close ties to the monarchy have thrust the quiet, composed royal household into a sudden storm. The controversy and public scrutiny are unprecedented.
Police in Oslo announced on Friday that the 28-year-old is under suspicion for three alleged rapes and 23 additional offenses. The charges stem from a lengthy investigation that began in the summer of 2024. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the nation. This places intense media and public focus on a family that usually keeps itself far from scandal.
A String of Arrests, a Tense Investigation
Høiby was arrested three separate times last year—once in August, again in September, and finally in November. What began as an inquiry into a suspected assault quickly evolved into a far more complex and disturbing investigation.
After ten months of digging through digital evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting multiple searches, Oslo police concluded their investigation. They passed the case to prosecutors. Now, it’s up to the Public Prosecution Authority to determine whether to proceed with formal charges. Their decision could define the young man’s future and cast a long shadow over Norway’s royal image.
Police attorney Andreas Kruszewski, speaking to the press, confirmed the gravity of the allegations. “We’ve concluded a comprehensive investigation,” he said. “This includes a large number of interviews and a thorough review of evidence.”
What makes this case even more unsettling is the scale. Kruszewski noted that a “double-digit” number of individuals are involved as victims. However, due to legal reasons and the sensitivity of the case, further details remain under wraps. Some of the suspected crimes have already been dropped due to the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence.
Høiby Responds Through Legal Counsel
Marius Borg Høiby has not commented publicly, but his defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, issued a statement attempting to temper the rising tide of speculation. Sekulic said his client was “taking the accusations very seriously,” yet denied wrongdoing in most of the cases. Particularly, those involving sexual assault and violence.
Despite the magnitude of the allegations, Sekulic insisted that Høiby has been cooperative throughout the investigation. Police confirmed this, stating he had participated in multiple interviews across the autumn of 2024 and spring of 2025. Still, cooperation doesn’t mean exoneration. The sheer breadth of the accusations makes it difficult to see how Høiby will escape unscathed.
Among the 26 suspected offenses are four counts of sexually offensive behavior. There is also one instance of abuse within a close relationship and two charges of physical assault. The scope of the alleged misconduct paints a disturbing picture—one that stands in stark contrast to the public image of a young man once known primarily for his privacy and connection to Norway’s royal family.
The Royal Family Stays Silent as Public Reaction Intensifies
So far, the Royal House of Norway has made only a brief statement. It emphasized that the case is moving through the justice system and that they have no further comment. But silence from the palace hasn’t stopped the public from reacting.
Social media across Norway exploded within hours of the news breaking. Many expressed deep disappointment, not just in Høiby but in the royal family’s lack of transparency. “This can’t be swept under the rug just because he’s connected to royalty,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Others defended the Crown Princess, saying she shouldn’t be held responsible for the alleged actions of her adult son.
The divide in public opinion is stark. Some feel betrayed, believing that someone so close to the royal institution should be held to a higher standard. Others argue Høiby is not a working royal and should be treated like any private citizen. But the symbolic weight of his family ties remains undeniable, and the press coverage reflects that reality.
The case has also sparked broader conversations about privilege, justice, and the handling of sexual violence cases in Norway. Critics worry that Høiby’s proximity to the throne could sway the prosecution’s decision. Prosecutors, however, are under pressure to act with complete impartiality.
Who Is Marius Borg Høiby?
Marius is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship she had before marrying Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Though he grew up within the orbit of the royal family, he has always been regarded as a private citizen, free to live his own life. In the past, Høiby made headlines for his relationship with a Playboy model and his decision to leave military service early. These choices stirred mild controversy but nothing like what he faces now.
Despite his non-royal status, Marius has always lived under the lens of public curiosity. Now, that curiosity has turned to scrutiny—and perhaps soon, legal consequences.
What Comes Next?
The spotlight is now on Norway’s prosecutors, who face the difficult task of deciding whether to bring the case to court. With mounting public interest and a growing demand for transparency, their decision will likely spark another wave of headlines.
If charges are filed, a high-profile trial could follow—an uncomfortable prospect for a royal household known for its quiet dignity rather than for scandal. If prosecutors decide not to pursue charges, public reaction could turn to outrage. This would fuel further distrust in the justice system.
For now, all eyes remain on the legal process. The question isn’t just whether Marius Borg Høiby will be charged—it’s whether Norway, a nation that prides itself on equality and integrity, will handle this case without fear or favor.
One thing is certain: whatever the outcome, this case has already marked a painful chapter in the lives of those involved. Additionally, it cast a long, uneasy shadow over Norway’s royal family.