Oslo police announced on Friday that they have charged Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, with multiple serious offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. The charges follow a months-long investigation involving a significant number of alleged victims.
Høiby, who is 28 years old, has been under investigation since 2024 when he faced previous arrests under preliminary charges. According to Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski, the evidence collected in this case includes text messages, witness testimonies, and results from police searches.
The specific charges encompass one case of rape involving intercourse, two cases of rape without intercourse, four incidents of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm. Kruszewski confirmed that the number of victims involved is in the double digits, but offered no further details due to the nature of the ongoing investigation.
Defense attorney Petar Sekulic stated that Høiby takes the allegations seriously but contests most of the accusations, particularly those related to sexual abuse and violence. The royal palace commented on the legal proceedings, stating that they are following standard procedures and will not provide additional information at this time.
This situation has captured widespread media attention in Norway, where the royal family holds considerable popularity. Høiby, previously referred to affectionately as “Little Marius,” grew up under the public eye, enjoying the privileges associated with royalty. His family has faced challenges, including the complicated history of his biological father, who has a criminal record.
Despite these serious developments, Høiby remains free as he awaits a possible trial and retains the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. As Norway’s future royal family navigates this troubling chapter, the hope is to achieve a resolution through the legal system.
Overall, the case highlights the complexities surrounding public figures and the gravity of the accusations they face, while also underlining the importance of due process in the legal system.