A Norwegian court has handed down a four-year prison term to Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, following his conviction on two counts of rape. The 29-year-old was also found guilty of assault and abuse within intimate relationships. Høiby, who did not attend the hearing in Oslo District Court due to health concerns, followed the verdict's delivery through video link from his detention facility.
The verdict came after he faced allegations of sexually assaulting four women over a six-year period spanning 2018 to 2024, with victims allegedly unable to consent. Of the four rape charges brought against him, judges acquitted him on two counts. Beyond the sexual assault charges, Høiby confronted a total of 40 criminal allegations encompassing drug-related offences, assault, and breaches of restraining orders. While he refuted the rape allegations, he conceded to some of the lesser infractions.
Court proceedings had seen prosecutors push for a sentence of seven years and seven months, whereas the defence team sought acquittal on rape charges and a maximum of 18 months imprisonment for admitted offences. A six-week trial concluding in March included testimony from multiple complainants and presented digital evidence comprising messages, photographs and recordings retrieved from Høiby's mobile device. The ruling mandates that he provide financial recompense to the victims.
Høiby retains the right to challenge the decision through the appeals process. His legal status has drawn worldwide scrutiny owing to his relationship to the Norwegian throne, though he maintains neither royal title nor formal royal responsibilities. Born from Crown Princess Mette-Marit's pre-marital relationship, he was raised alongside Crown Prince Haakon, the realm's heir, following her marriage to the future king.
The case's prominence has intensified as the crown princess faces declining health, battling pulmonary fibrosis whilst awaiting a lung transplant. Legal proceedings concerning potential temporary release pending verdict determination were rejected by appeals courts, which determined he should remain in custody. The trial has also reignited examination of the royal household following revelations about Mette-Marit's previous connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted financier and sex offender. The crown princess has issued a public apology regarding the association and acknowledged exercising poor judgment in maintaining contact with him, though she faces no allegations of misconduct.
