Norwegian Crown Princess' son's 32 charges explained as future king addresses the matter for the first time
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
It was announced earlier this week that the Norwegian Crown Princess' son, Marius Borg Høiby, had been charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape.
Høiby, 28, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, is expected to stand trial early next year following the culmination of a year-long police investigation.
"The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the Royal Family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others," public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo told reporters.
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During the press conference, Henriksboe added: "It's up to the judges to decide if he is guilty."
What has Høiby been charged with?
The 32 criminal offences include:
- One count of rape with sexual intercourse
- Three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which he filmed on his telephone, the prosecution said
These four instances of rape for which Høiby is charged allegedly took place in 2018, 2023, and 2024, the last one after the police investigation began.
In addition to those four counts of rape, other charges include:
- Domestic violence/abuse in close relationships (multiple counts)
- Assaults on at least two former partners
- Death threats
- Filming women’s genitals without consent
- Violation of restraining/visitation orders (multiple instances)
- Property damage/vandalism
- Disturbing the peace/harassment of police
- Traffic violations (driving without a license, etc).
What has Høiby said about the charges?
Høiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenaes, has said that he has denied the most serious accusations against him, including those of rape and domestic violence.
Reuters claims that Høiby's attorney reiterated that his client will plead guilty to some charges but disputes the most serious crimes.
"He does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence," Petar Sekulic said.
He is currently free pending trial, and Mr Henriksbo said at the moment there is no reason to arrest and jail him.
Høiby has no royal title or official duties. He has been under investigation since his arrest on 4 August last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend.
In a public statement 10 days after his arrest, Høiby claimed he had acted 'under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument', having suffered from 'mental troubles' and struggling 'for a long time with substance abuse'.
What has the Norwegian Royal Family said about the charges?
Following the charges, according to Reuters, Crown Prince Haakon said the family would do their best to carry out duties as normal.
"We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do," he said.
"Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult."
"It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision. We have no further comment," the royal court previously told Tyla in a statement.
How much time could Høiby face in prison?
If found guilty of the most serious charges, he could face up to a decade in prison.
"The maximum penalty for the offences listed in the indictment is imprisonment of up to 10 years," Henriksbo said.
"These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives," he added.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Crime, News, Royal Family, World News, Police
Rhiannon Ingle