Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing serious legal troubles. He has been charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape. This news was confirmed by prosecutors who expect him to go to trial early next year. If found guilty of the most serious charges, he could spend up to 10 years in prison.
The specific charges include sexual assault of four women, domestic abuse of an ex-partner, and filming women without their consent. These claims suggest that Høiby recorded incidents while the women were unaware, making the accusations even more alarming.
Høiby’s lawyer, Petar Sekulic, claims that his client denies all charges of sexual abuse and most violence allegations. He plans to share his side of the story in court. Initially, in June, Høiby was charged with 23 various offences, including three counts of rape.
The allegations date back to incidents occurring between 2018 and late 2024. Prosecutors say the assaults happened after consensual intercourse, while the women were asleep. This complicates the matter further, raising important discussions about consent and accountability.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø called the case “very serious,” emphasizing that acts of this nature can have lasting effects on victims. He reassured the public that Høiby’s royal connections would not influence the legal proceedings. The potential maximum sentence for these charges is 10 years.
Public reaction has been intense. Many on social media express shock, particularly given Høiby’s royal ties. The Norwegian royal court has stated they will refrain from intervening, insisting that the justice system will handle the case.
Historically, cases involving members of royal families often attract significant media attention, sometimes overshadowing the legal proceedings. Community awareness around issues like sexual assault and domestic violence has also increased in recent years, with campaigns advocating for survivors. A survey from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health indicates a growing concern and sensitivity toward these issues, showing that around 80% of Norwegians believe in the necessity of serious repercussions for such crimes.
This situation highlights the importance of addressing not only the legal aspects but also the social factors that impact survivors of violence. As the trial approaches, it will be crucial to follow the developments, reflecting ongoing societal conversations about justice and accountability.
For more detailed information, you can explore Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s findings, which cover current attitudes and statistics regarding sexual assault in Norway.