An Oslo court announced on Monday that it will deliver its verdict next month in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who faces charges including rape. The case has cast a shadow over the Norwegian royal family.
The Oslo District Court confirmed that the verdict for Høiby will be handed down on June 15. The trial, which spanned six weeks and concluded on March 19, saw prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for the 29-year-old. Høiby, who denies the rape allegations, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne.
Høiby is charged with a total of 40 offenses, including four counts of rape that allegedly occurred between 2018 and 2024. He has no royal titles or official duties. His defense lawyers argue that there is no evidence to support the rape charges. However, Høiby has admitted to lesser offenses, such as drug possession, transporting 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana in 2020, traffic violations, and breaches of a restraining order involving a former partner. He has also partially admitted to acts related to violence and threats but disputes key aspects of those allegations, including intent.
Defense lawyers have stated that a maximum sentence of 18 months would be appropriate for the charges he has admitted to. They contend that Høiby has been subjected to extraordinary media pressure due to his royal connections, which they believe has shaped public perception of the case.
Separately, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny this year over her connections with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about her judgment. However, she has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
