Norway’s Crown Princess’ Son Faces Trial Over Rape, Drugs Charges In Major Royal Scandal

In what is being described as the most serious scandal in Norway’s royal history, Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to go on trial on Tuesday over multiple criminal charges, including rape, drug-related offences and assault.

Høiby, 29, who was born from a relationship before Crown Princess Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon, is facing 38 charges, some dating as far back as 2018. If convicted by the Oslo District Court, he could be sentenced to up to 16 years in prison. The trial is scheduled to run until March 19 and is expected to draw widespread media attention.

A historian and monarchy expert, Trond Noren Isaksen, described the case as unprecedented in the modern history of the Norwegian royal family.

“This is without doubt the biggest scandal in the monarchy’s 120-year history,” he told AFP, noting that while the royal family has faced controversies in the past, none involved serious criminal allegations of this magnitude.

Among the most serious accusations against Høiby are four counts of rape, as well as claims of physical and psychological abuse involving several former partners. He has admitted to some of the lesser charges but has denied the most serious allegations.

According to his legal team, Høiby intends to present his version of events before the court.

The case stemmed from his arrest in August 2024 following an alleged assault on his girlfriend. In the days that followed, Høiby acknowledged acting under the influence of alcohol and drugs and admitted to long-standing struggles with substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Subsequent police investigations uncovered additional alleged offences, including the rape of four women over several years. Authorities also recently filed six new charges, among them a serious drug offence linked to the transportation of a large quantity of marijuana in 2020, a charge Høiby has confessed to.

Høiby holds no royal title and has no official role within the monarchy. He is financially supported by the crown prince and princess. The unfolding case has placed significant strain on the royal family, particularly Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is reportedly grappling with the situation amid ongoing health challenges.

Crown Prince Haakon has expressed sympathy for all those affected and reiterated his confidence in the judicial process, stressing that neither he nor his wife would attend the trial.

Prosecutors have also emphasised that Høiby will be treated like any other defendant under Norwegian law, regardless of his family background.

The scandal has cast a shadow over the royal family’s public image, coming shortly after other controversies involving members of the royal household. However, public support for the monarchy remains relatively strong, with recent opinion polls indicating that a majority of Norwegians continue to back the institution.

A verdict is expected several weeks after the conclusion of the trial.

AFP