Norway’s Royal Family Under Scrutiny as Prince’s Rape Trial Unfolds

Oslo, Norway – The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, began on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, casting a shadow over the Norwegian royal family. Høiby faces 38 charges, including rape, assault, drug offenses, and traffic violations, with the trial expected to last until March 19, 2026.

Details of the Allegations

Høiby is accused of raping four women, along with other offenses including assaulting a former partner, damaging property, and drug and traffic violations. The prosecution alleges incidents occurred between December 2018 and March 2024. Specific accusations include:

• The Skaugum Woman: Alleged sexual assault involving oral sex and fingering while the woman was intoxicated and asleep, with the incident reportedly filmed. This allegedly occurred in December 2018.
• The Lofoten Woman: The most serious rape allegation, claiming Høiby penetrated the woman after they had engaged in consensual sex three times. This allegedly occurred in October 2023.
• The Oslo West Woman: Allegations of groping and fingering while the woman was intoxicated and asleep, occurring in March 2024.

Public Prosecution and Victim’s Wishes

Despite some women not initially wanting to pursue legal action, the police initiated investigations due to Norway’s principle of public prosecution. According to aid lawyer Lill Vassbotn, the police are obligated to investigate serious offenses even if the victim does not wish to press charges CBC. One woman, referred to as the “Lofoten woman,” initially did not want the case to proceed, stating it was “so burdensome,” but cooperated with police questioning CBC.

Defense and Prosecution Stances

Høiby denies the most serious charges of rape and mistreatment. His defense team has questioned the police investigation and media coverage. Ellen Holager Andenæs, one of Høiby’s defenders, stated they haven’t focused on dismissed cases, but will dispute the charges they believe can’t be proven BBC. State attorney Sturla Henriksbø emphasized that rape is a serious offense and investigations proceed regardless of the victim’s wishes if evidence suggests a crime occurred CBC.

Royal Family’s Position

The Norwegian palace has distanced itself from the case, stating that Høiby is not a public figure and is not considered part of the royal family BBC. Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon will not be present in court to support Høiby. However, he is considered a close family member by his stepfather and King Harald V BBC.

Previous Arrests and Charges

Marius Borg Høiby has been under scrutiny since repeated arrests in 2024 on various allegations. He was initially indicted on 32 counts in August 2025, with the indictment later expanded to 38 charges CNN. He remains free pending trial.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Høiby could face more than 10 years in jail BBC and CNN.