Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison by Oslo District Court after being found guilty of 34 offences, including two counts of rape. The verdict, delivered on Monday, concluded a six-week trial that has gripped the nation.
Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad convicted Høiby of assaulting his former girlfriend Nora Haukland, the only victim publicly named. He was ordered to pay Haukland and three other women a total of 640,000 kroner (around £50,000) in compensation and received a two-year restraining order against one victim. Høiby faced 40 charges, including four counts of rape, but was acquitted of two rape counts and two counts of violating a restraining order.
Prosecutors had sought a seven-year, seven-month sentence, while the defence argued for no more than 18 months for admitted lesser offences. Høiby, who pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges, attended court via video link from Ila prison for health reasons. His lawyers announced an appeal within hours of the verdict.
The case has drawn attention to issues of consent, domestic violence, and the sharing of intimate images without consent. The trial coincided with a difficult period for the royal family, as Crown Princess Mette-Marit awaits a lung transplant. A request to release Høiby to spend time with his mother was overturned by the court of appeal.
Victims' lawyers expressed relief at the verdict for one woman raped at the royal residence in Skaugum, noting the court's thorough assessment. However, another victim expressed disappointment after Høiby was acquitted of raping her, with the judge citing insufficient evidence.
