Son of Norway’s crown princess, Marius Borg Høiby, charged with rape, sexual assault
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Norwegian royal, 28, charged with rape following his multiple arrests
Marius Borg Høiby is the stepson of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The 28-year-old was arrested three times in 2024 in connection with the investigation. Police announced on Friday that the case involves what they described as a “double-digit” number of alleged victims. His defence attorney, Petar Sekulic, said his client is “absolutely taking the accusations very seriously”
The charges against Høiby, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon but holds no royal title, follow an extensive investigation spanning several months.
Police announced on Friday that the case involves what they described as a “double-digit” number of alleged victims. The 28-year-old was arrested three times in 2024 in connection with the investigation, which has drawn significant attention given his connection to the Norwegian Royal Family.
Norwegian royal, 28, charged with rape following his multiple arrests. Getty
The charges comprise 23 offences in total. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski stated: “I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number.” Police conducted what they described as a “thorough investigation”, examining witness testimony, digital material including text messages, and carrying out searches. Høiby, who has no official royal duties, came under scrutiny following his repeated arrests in 2024 on allegations including rape and preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage.
Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski gave an update on the case against the son of Norway’s Crown Princess, Marius Borg Hoiby. Getty
His defence attorney, Petar Sekulic, said his client is “absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.” Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now resides nearby, according to local media. GB News has contacted the Royal House of Norway for comment regarding the charges.
Marius Borg Høiby with his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon. Getty
Norwegian Royal Family Speaks Out After Future Queen’s Son Charged With Raping and Assaulting Multiple Women
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. He has been charged with multiple counts of rape, bodily harm and sexual assault. Police say there are between 15 and 20 victims in the case. The royal family has issued a statement saying, “The case is taking its course in the legal system, and follows normal procedures” He is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and stepsister of Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who will become Norway’s queen one day. He holds no royal title and was not questioned by police during the investigation, an official said.
Høiby, 28, was born to Crown Princess Mette-Marit—who was a single mother before she met Crown Prince Haakon—and as the stepson to the future king, holds no royal title. Following a months-long investigation, police held a press conference announcing 23 charges against Høiby, including one case of rape with intercourse, two cases of rape without intercourse, one case of abuse in close relationships and two cases of bodily harm.
The royal family issued a statement to Norwegian media outlet NRK reading, “The case is taking its course in the legal system, and follows normal procedures. We have nothing more to add.”
Høiby is seen at an 18th birthday dinner for his stepsister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, in June 2022. (Image credit: Getty Images)
The 28-year-old is pictured with his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (second from right), stepfather Crown Prince Haakon (far right) and stepsister Princess Ingrid Alexandra. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Per NRK, police stated that the royal family was not brought forward for questioning during the investigation. “The reason we have not questioned other members of the royal family than Høiby is that it is our assessment that their possible explanations would contribute very little to clarifying the cases,” police attorney Andreas Kruszewski told the outlet.
In November 2024, Høiby was arrested on suspicion of rape after two prior arrests involving his ex-girlfriend. In August, he was accused of criminal damage and bodily harm at the woman’s Oslo apartment, and in September, he was arrested for violating a restraining order against his ex. In February 2025, additional rape accusations were reported involving model and TV presenter Linni Meister.
However, per the Guardian, Kruszewski said there were many more women involved. “I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,” the police attorney said during Friday’s press conference. According to NRK, “Høiby’s defense attorney, Ellen Holager Andenæs, states that there are between 15 and 20 victims.”
Høiby is the eldest of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s three children. He has a 21-year-old stepsister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra—who will go on to become Norway’s queen one day—and a 19-year-old stepbrother, Prince Sverre Magnus, both of whom were born to the princess and Crown Prince Haakon after their 2001 marriage.
Norwegian prince Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, charged with three rapes among slew of allegations against disgraced royal
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, is son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to heir to the throne Prince Haakon. Accused of raping unconscious TV star Linni Meister, 39, in 2018 at one of his wild “Skaugum Festival” parties. He was first arrested on August 4 over an alleged assault that left then-girlfriend Rebecca Helberg Arntsen hospitalised. Since then, he has reportedly spent time in rehab clinics and has been spotted in foreign countries. He has now been charged with three rapes, among a slew of sex and violence allegations involving a “double-digit” number of alleged victims. He denies all the charges and remains free pending a possible trial. His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, said: “He is absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence” He was born before his mother’s 2001 marriage into the Norwegian royal family.
A NORWEGIAN prince has been charged with three rapes — among a slew of sex and violence allegations involving a “double-digit” number of alleged victims.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to heir to the throne Prince Haakon, is at the centre of a months-long police probe.
7 Norwegian prince Marius Borg Høiby has been charged with rape Credit: AFP
7 The 28-year-old royal has been at the centre of a police probe for months Credit: Getty
7 Oslo cops said the prince now faces nine charges including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm Credit: EPA
After being first arrested last August, he has been charged with a slew of offences, which he denies.
The disgraced royal now faces nine charges including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm, Oslo cops confirmed Friday.
The shocking claims include one count of rape involving intercourse, two without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault, and two of bodily harm.
Høiby was repeatedly arrested last year as the case unfolded, with preliminary charges of rape, violence and criminal damage.
Investigators say the evidence includes text messages, witness statements and findings from police searches.
The alleged royal rapist is said to have cooperated with police during questioning, CBS reports.
Høiby has no official public role and was born before his mother’s 2001 marriage into the Norwegian royal family.
He was raised alongside Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, but now lives separately in a house near the family estate.
His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, said: “He is absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.”
Norwegian royal ‘abused TV presenter at party and cops now have video’
Høiby remains free pending a possible trial.
The latest charges come after a string of disturbing claims made earlier this year — including an alleged fifth rape said to have happened after his release from custody over a violent bust-up with his girlfriend.
He is also accused of raping unconscious TV star Linni Meister, 39, in 2018 at one of his wild “Skaugum Festival” parties — allegedly held in the basement of the royal estate while Crown Prince Haakon reportedly slept upstairs.
The scandal exploded after Høiby was first arrested on August 4 over an alleged assault that left then-girlfriend Rebecca Helberg Arntsen hospitalised.
But her legal team has denied they were in a relationship.
A week after his arrest, he released a statement via his lawyer, saying he suffers from “several mental disorders” and has “struggled with substance abuse for a long time”.
It read: “Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.
“I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges.
“I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past.
“The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police.
7 Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit Credit: AFP
7 Høiby was previously accused of having sex with TV star Linni Meister whilst she was unconscious
“For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards.”
Since then, he has reportedly spent time in rehab clinics in London and has been spotted in Copenhagen, almost unrecognisable with dyed hair, sunglasses and a hoodie.
He was arrested again in September for allegedly breaching a restraining order — and again in November on fresh rape charges.
Høiby was later banned from receiving visitors or letters while in custody, over fears he could tamper with evidence.
One clip unearthed by police reportedly shows him making a slapping gesture while allegedly describing how he “broke up” with an ex.
The footage was said to have circulated among 50 people in his inner circle.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org.
7 Norway’s King Harald V and Queen Sonja, surrounded by their family
Eldest son of Norwegian princess accused of multiple rapes and sexual assault
Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and physical violence. The charges follow a 10-month investigation involving over a dozen alleged victims, with evidence drawn from witness testimonies, text messages, and forensic searches. The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s monarchy, historically revered but now facing its “biggest crisis since 1905,” according to commentators.
Police Attorney Kruszewski confirms rape charges Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski confirmed the charges include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four sexual assaults, and two cases of bodily harm. While Høiby cooperated during questioning, his defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, stated his client “doesn’t acknowledge wrongdoing” in most allegations, particularly those involving sexual violence or assault. Høiby remains free pending trial under Norway’s presumption of innocence principle.
Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, grew up alongside his royal half-siblings at the Skaugum estate but holds no formal title or royal role. Once affectionately nicknamed “Little Marius,” his adult life has been marred by legal troubles, including a 2017 drug conviction and prior arrests in 2024 for assault and violating restraining orders.
The recent investigation uncovered additional allegations from multiple former partners, with police citing incidents at Skaugum and Oslo apartments. Høiby has acknowledged struggles with cocaine addiction and “mental troubles,” and spent a week in Hamar Prison during the probe. The royal family, while notified of investigations, has maintained strict silence, deferring to legal “normal procedures”.
Biggest scandal for Norway’s monarchy The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s monarchy, historically revered but now facing its “biggest crisis since 1905,” according to commentators. Concurrent controversies, including Princess Märtha Louise’s marriage to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett, have fueled republican sentiment, doubling membership in anti-monarchy groups. Polls show 45% of Norwegians view the royal family less favorably amid Høiby’s case. His ties to criminal circles, including gang members and alleged mafia affiliates, further compound concerns.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son Marius Borg Hoiby charged with rape
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, charged with ‘rape, sexual assault and bodily harm’ Charges consist of one case of rape involving intercourse, and two cases of rape without intercourse. Marius is not a member of the royal family and is not included in the line of succession. His mother is a future queen consort, while his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, will one day be king. The 28-year-old denies all the charges and remains free pending a possible trial. He was arrested in February for allegedly raping TV presenter Linni Meister while she was unconscious at Skaugum Castle after a basement party. Police found three videos and more than ten photos of an incident in the basement on his laptop.
The charges consist of one case of rape involving intercourse, and two cases of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault and two cases of bodily harm. The news was confirmed by Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski on Friday, who confirmed that police questioning of Marius had now been completed.
Andreas said: “I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number.”
© Getty Marius now faces multiple charges
Evidence against the 28-year-old comes from text messages, witness testimonies and police searches.
Marius’ defence attorney, Petar Sekulic, said that his client was “absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases, especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence”.
© Getty The 28-year-old denies all the charges
Despite the charges, Marius remains free pending a possible trial.
Marius is not a member of the royal family and is not included in the line of succession. His mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is a future queen consort, while his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, will one day be king.
The case so far
In February, it emerged that Marius was under investigation for allegedly raping TV presenter Linni Meister while she was unconscious at Skaugum Castle after a basement party at the royal residence in Oslo.
Police have wanted to question Marius after reportedly finding three videos and more than ten photos of an incident in the basement on his laptop.
© Ragnar Singsaas Marius is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and convicted criminal Morten Borg
Although a publication initially reported that Marius wasn’t co-operating with the police in regard to the allegation, on Friday, Andreas confirmed that the 28-year-old had co-operated during police questioning.
Back in August 2024, he was taken into police custody after allegedly attacking a woman in her 20s “psychologically and physically”. A month later, he was re-arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order following “an incident in an apartment”.
© Andreas Fadum/Shutterstock Marius faced different charges back in August
According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the Oslo Police confirmed that Marius was detained and released with more charges after he allegedly contacted one of the victims from a hidden phone number, despite the imposed restraining order.
At the time of his first arrest, Marius said: “Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.
© Shutterstock Marius previously gave a statement on his behaviour
“The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police.”
“For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards. Being pursued by photographers and journalists at a time like this I know has been tough to stand in.”