Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Son Faces Rape Trial Amidst Novel Allegations

Oslo, Norway – Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, is currently on trial facing approximately 40 charges, including rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and violations of restraining orders. The case has garnered significant national and international attention, sparking debate about privilege and accountability within the Norwegian royal family.

Trial Developments and Charges

The trial began at Oslo District Court in early February 2026. Prosecutors allege four counts of rape, alongside charges of intimate partner abuse, threats with a weapon, and violent conduct. Høiby has pleaded not guilty to the most serious allegations, including the rape charges, while admitting to some lesser offenses. He initially was arrested in late January following an incident at his Oslo apartment involving assault, threats with a knife, and a restraining order violation.

In early March, prosecutors added new charges of reckless conduct and further violations of a restraining order, bringing the total number of charges to nearly 40. The BBC reports that Høiby has admitted to reckless behavior and breaching a restraining order.

Background and Family Context

Born in Oslo in 1997, Marius Borg Høiby is Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship. He became the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon when his mother married the heir to the throne in 2001. Despite his family ties, he does not hold a formal royal title or official role. According to IBTimes, the trial has reignited debate about scrutiny faced by those connected to the royal family.

Testimony and Allegations

Testimony from alleged victims has described instances of physical aggression and intimate partner violence. The Guardian reports that a former partner testified Høiby punched her in the face during their relationship and “often” grabbed her by the throat. She also described an incident where she was allegedly held by the neck and pushed against a refrigerator.

Høiby acknowledged some of the charges, including bodily violation for spitting in a former partner’s face, two counts of criminal damage for destroying her laptop and apartment belongings, and a case of sexually abusive behavior. He partially pleaded guilty to serious bodily harm and reckless behavior in multiple incidents, including one at a nightclub. He denies the rape allegations.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Involvement

Reports indicate that Crown Princess Mette-Marit informed Høiby of a possible arrest. Høiby testified that his mother alerted him after being contacted by the police. He recounted a conversation where a police officer identified themselves and informed him of the impending arrest. Following the notification, his mother reportedly advised him to shower and change clothes before meeting the police at Jansløkka school, near their home.

Høiby also stated that his mother drove him to the school, where he was subsequently arrested. He further claimed that the police had to clear the detention center to accommodate his arrest due to his family’s prominence. He dismissed accusations in the press regarding his mother’s actions as “the stupidest thing I’ve heard in my entire life.”

Timeline of Events

Key events leading up to the trial include:

• November/December 2023: Allegations of Høiby filming and photographing a former partner without her consent.
• February 24, 2024: Alleged damage to a laptop during a cabin trip.
• Easter 2024: Reckless behavior allegations at a nightclub.
• June 25, 2024: Allegations of violence against a former partner, including strangulation and threats.
• August 4, 2024: First arrest following a violent incident at a former partner’s apartment.
• September 13, 2024: A restraining order was issued after Høiby allegedly contacted the former partner over 172 times.
• February 1, 2026: Trial begins at Oslo District Court.

Instagram Post and Escalation of Conflict

Høiby testified that an Instagram post by a former partner, featuring a man, triggered a conflict. The post was reportedly deleted shortly after being published. He accused the woman of lying about the man’s identity, leading to a heated confrontation and the events of August 4, 2024, where he allegedly attacked her in her apartment.

The trial is ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen. The case continues to attract intense media scrutiny in Norway and internationally.