Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing 32 charges after a lengthy police investigation into allegations from several women
A member of the Norwegian royal family has officially been charged with four counts of rape after a lengthy police investigation.
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, appeared in court in Oslo on Monday where he faced 32 counts in total, including four counts of rape, four of sexual assault and two of bodily harm.
Prosecutors have alleged the serious offences took place over several years, adding that some incidents said to have occurred while the women in question were asleep. When presenting the indictment in court, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø said: “This case is very serious.” He also added that the Høiby’s royal status should not mean that he receives special treatment or leniency under the law.
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According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, a six-week trial has been scheduled for January. If convicted, the 28-year-old could face up to 10 years in jail.
The investigation into Høiby has been ongoing for more than a year. According to police, he cooperated with questioning, as authorities uncovered evidence including text messages, witness statements and findings from searches.
Høiby’s lawyer, Petar Sekulic, told GB News in a statement: “Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence. He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”
Mr Sekulic previously said: “He is absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.”
Mr Høiby has no official role within the Norwegian Royal Family, given he was born before his mother’s 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon.
Once known affectionately as “Little Marius,” Høiby grew up in the public eye enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings.