Norwegian Royal Figure Marius Borg Høiby Confronts Serious Criminal Allegations
The eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is preparing for a courtroom appearance this week, facing an extensive list of criminal charges that include multiple counts of rape and domestic abuse against a former partner. Marius Borg Høiby, aged 29, finds himself at the centre of a legal storm that has captured international attention due to his familial connections to the Norwegian monarchy.
Detailed Charges and Potential Consequences
Høiby confronts a total of thirty-eight separate charges spanning various serious offences. The allegations include the rape of four different women, assaulting and threatening a girlfriend, damaging her residential property, multiple drug-related charges, and various driving offences. Additionally, he stands accused of filming several women without their knowledge or consent. If convicted on the most serious counts, the royal figure could potentially face up to ten years of imprisonment, marking a significant fall from grace for someone connected to Norway's royal household.
Royal Connections and Family Background
Born on January 13, 1997, to mother Mette-Marit (who later became Crown Princess of Norway) and father Morten Borg, Høiby did not enter the world as a royal. His life changed dramatically when his mother married Prince Haakon in 2001, thrusting him into the public spotlight despite holding no official royal title or position in the line of succession. The Norwegian royal family has consistently maintained that Høiby is not a public figure, though his proximity to the monarchy has inevitably drawn media scrutiny throughout his adult life.
Previous Controversies and Legal History
Media reports have documented Høiby's association with gang members in 2023, and he previously faced arrest for cocaine use at a music festival in 2017. Last year, he admitted to causing bodily harm to a woman with whom he had been in a relationship, attributing his actions to being under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at the time. In a statement released last August, Høiby expressed regret for his behaviour in that particular incident.
Legal Defence and Family Statements
Høiby's defence team, led by lawyer Petar Sekulic, has indicated that their client takes all accusations seriously while maintaining his innocence regarding the most severe allegations. The legal team plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges once the trial commences but firmly states that Høiby "does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence." Several women are expected to give evidence in court beyond those he is specifically accused of raping, including one social media influencer who alleges he punched, kicked, and choked her.
Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation in a statement last week, clarifying: "Marius Borg Hoiby is not part of the royal household. In that respect, he is independent. But of course we love him. He is an important part of our family. And he is a citizen of Norway. With that, he has the same responsibilities as everyone else, but also the same rights." The Norwegian royal court has declined further comment, stating simply: "It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision. We have no further comment."
