OSLO, Norway —
Norwegian authorities have confirmed that Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, is under investigation for a series of serious crimes, including three suspected rapes and 23 other offences.
Police in Oslo announced on Friday that Høiby, 28, had been arrested on three separate occasions last year — in August, September, and November — as part of an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault, violence, and other criminal conduct.
Case Now with Prosecutors
Speaking at a press briefing, police attorney Andreas Kruszewski confirmed that investigators have completed a 10-month probe and forwarded the case to the prosecution service, which will now determine whether formal charges will be filed.
“I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,” Kruszewski said.
He added that the investigation included “a large number of witness interviews, several searches, and a review of extensive digital material.”
Multiple Offences Alleged
In addition to the rape allegations, Høiby is suspected of:
- Four counts of sexually offensive behaviour
- One count of abuse in a close relationship
- Two counts of bodily harm
Police noted that several cases involving sexual offences were dismissed due to “statute of limitations and evidentiary reasons.”
Høiby’s attorney, Petar Sekulic, issued a statement on his client’s behalf:
“Marius is taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.”
Royal Connection
Though connected to Norway’s royal family, Høiby does not hold a royal title nor perform official royal duties. He is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne.
The Royal House of Norway responded briefly to the news, stating that the legal process is ongoing and that they had “nothing further to add.”
A Private Life in the Public Eye
Høiby has largely lived outside the royal spotlight, although his connections have occasionally made headlines in Norway and abroad. He has pursued various private business ventures and has at times lived abroad, including periods in the United States and the UK.
If charges are formally brought, the case would be one of the most significant criminal proceedings involving someone linked to a European royal family in recent years, casting an unwelcome shadow over Norway’s royal household.
No timeline has been announced for the prosecutors’ decision on whether to indict Høiby. The investigation has sparked significant public interest, with both legal and royal observers watching closely for further developments.
