Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Jailed Four Years For Rape Convictions
Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Jailed Four Years for Rape Convictions Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape, in a case that has attracted widespread public attention and scrutiny of the Norwegian royal household. The Oslo District Court found the 29-year-old guilty on 34 of 40 charges, which included rape, domestic violence, assault, threats, drug offences, and violations of restraining orders. He was cleared of some additional rape allegations and other counts during the trial. According to the judgment, the rape convictions involved women who were unable to resist due to being asleep or incapacitated at the time of the incidents. One of the offences was reported to have taken place at Skaugum, the royal residence of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The court relied on multiple forms of evidence, including testimony from complainants, digital communications, and other materials presented during the proceedings. Prosecutors had sought a prison term exceeding seven years, arguing that the offences were serious, repeated, and involved vulnerable victims. The defence team, however, called for a significantly reduced sentence and rejected the rape allegations. The court ultimately imposed a four-year custodial sentence, along with financial compensation orders for victims and restrictions on contact with certain individuals. Hoiby denied the rape allegations throughout the trial but admitted to some lesser offences. His legal team has indicated that he will appeal both the conviction and the sentence, meaning the case may proceed to a higher court. While the case has generated intense media coverage due to Høiby’s connection to the royal family, the Norwegian royal household has maintained that he is not a working royal and does not perform official duties. Palace officials have not issued detailed public comment following the verdict. Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. Although he has been part of the royal family’s extended household, he holds no official position in the line of succession. The case has prompted broader public discussion in Norway about privacy, accountability, and the scrutiny faced by members of royal families connected to criminal proceedings.
- Convicted of 2 counts of rape
- Found guilty on 34 of 40 charges
- Sentenced to 4 years in prison
- Acquitted on some additional rape charges
- Crimes involved multiple incidents over several years
- Appeal expected from defence
