Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's future Queen, has been found guilty on two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison. Over 18 months after his initial arrest following an alleged violent incident at a woman's apartment in Oslo, Crown Prince Haakon's stepson spent weeks in court facing more than 40 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm.
Høiby pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape. However, he admitted guilt to several driving offenses, an aggravated drug offense, and breaking a restraining order, and partially to threats and aggravated assault. Before the verdict was announced, he requested release from prison after learning that his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will undergo a lung transplant as soon as possible due to her worsening chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
Who is Marius Borg Høiby?
Marius is the eldest of Crown Princess Mette-Marit's three children. The 29-year-old was born on January 13, 1997, and is the older half-brother of Norway's future Queen, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus. Crown Princess Mette-Marit made headlines in 2001 when she married Crown Prince Haakon as a single mother who had previously lived with a companion convicted on drug charges. Høiby previously lived with his mother, stepfather, and their two children but resided in a separate house nearby until his arrest.
Which charges was he facing in court?
Following a months-long investigation, police initially announced 23 charges against Høiby, including one count of rape with intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, one count of abuse in a close relationship, and two counts of bodily harm. Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski stated that many more women were involved, confirming a double-digit number of victims. According to NRK, Høiby's defense attorney, Ellen Holager Andenæs, indicated between 15 and 20 victims. Evidence included text messages, witness testimony, and police searches. In January, six more counts were added for allegedly transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms under the Traffic Act. Days before his trial, Høiby was arrested for assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order.
What have the Royal Family said about the case?
The Royal Family has not yet reacted to the guilty verdict. Before the trial, Crown Prince Haakon stated on the Norwegian Royal Family website: "We are thinking a lot about all the parties involved in this matter. This is something that affects them, their families, and those who love them. We care about them. We know that many of you are going through a difficult time right now. At the same time, it is good to know that we live in a state governed by the rule of law. I am sure and have confidence that those responsible for the trial will work to ensure that it is conducted in as orderly, proper and fair a manner as possible. Marius Borg Høiby is not part of the Royal Family, so in that sense he is free. But we love him, of course, and he is an important part of our family. And he is a citizen of Norway. Through that, he has the same responsibilities as everyone else, but also the same rights."
