Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of 34 offences, including two counts of rape, serious bodily harm, and domestic violence. The verdict was delivered by Oslo district court on Monday morning, concluding a six-week trial that has captivated Norway.
Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad convicted Høiby of assaulting his former girlfriend Nora Haukland, the only victim publicly named. He was ordered to pay a total of 640,000 kroner (about £50,000) in compensation to Haukland and three other women, and received a two-year restraining order against one victim. Høiby faced 40 charges initially, but was acquitted of two rape counts and two restraining order violations.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, while defence lawyers argued for no more than 18 months for the lesser offences Høiby admitted. He pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges, including rape, and his lawyers announced an appeal within hours of the verdict.
The case has drawn attention to issues of consent and domestic violence, and comes at a difficult time for the Norwegian royal family, as Crown Princess Mette-Marit awaits a lung transplant. Høiby attended court via video link from Ila prison for health reasons, and his request to be released to visit his mother was overturned by the court of appeal.
Victims’ lawyers expressed relief at the thorough assessment of the evidence, particularly regarding a rape that occurred in the basement of the crown prince and princess’s residence at Skaugum in 2018. They hope the verdict marks a final conclusion and that Høiby receives help to prevent further harm.
