Shocking Charges Rock Norway’s Royal Circles
Oslo’s district court has been gripped by drama over the past seven weeks as prosecutors wrapped up their case against Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit. On Wednesday, lead prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø demanded a hefty sentence: seven years and seven months behind bars. They want him convicted on 39 out of 40 counts, including four rapes and serious assault—crimes Høiby flatly denies.
Born before his mother’s 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby grew up in the royal fold but never got the title. Now, his high-profile life is unraveling in plain view. The trial kicked off in early February, dominating Norwegian front pages daily. It’s set to wrap this week, with three judges retreating to deliberate.
Defence Pushes Back on Rape Allegations
Høiby sat stone-faced in court as prosecutors laid out their demands. He admits some lesser stuff—like hauling 3.5kg of marijuana (potentially 11 months jail time), reckless driving, no valid license, and busting a restraining order. He even partially owns up to a brutal assault on a woman in her apartment.
But the big ones? No way, says the defence. All four women were supposedly asleep or out of it during the acts, with police uncovering videos in three cases—filmed without consent. Early in the trial, Høiby shot back: “I don’t sleep with women who aren’t awake.” Prosecutors dismissed prior consensual sex as irrelevant, stressing these are “very serious offences” that scar lives forever. Know More
He also denies criminal abuse tied to ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, despite their tangled history.
Media Storm and Personal Toll
Testifying last week, Høiby cracked open about the circus. “I’m not Marius anymore—I’m a monster,” he vented, blaming relentless coverage for turning him into public enemy number one. Ironically, the trial’s start overlapped with his mom’s own headache: fresh scrutiny over her old ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Prosecutor Henriksbø countered sharply on Monday: Høiby’s no monster—he’s just accountable for his actions, not his lineage. Breaking down penalties Wednesday with police attorney Andreas Kruszewski, they pitched two years per three rape counts and three for the fourth, plus time for assaults and abuse.
What’s Next? Likely Some Time, But Reduced?
Defence lawyers kicked off their close today, fighting the rape and heavy assault labels tooth and nail. Commentators figure he’ll dodge the max but still face heat for the guilty pleas—drugs, traffic chaos, that pot haul. Verdict soon from the bench. Read More
Norway watches, breathless.
