Crown princess's son arrested ahead of trial on rape, assault and drug charges
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was detained ahead of a trial that lists 38 charges, including alleged rapes, assault and transporting 3.5 kg of marijuana. The royal family will not attend court.
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By Torontoer Staff
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested Sunday evening by Oslo police just before his trial was scheduled to begin. Authorities say he is accused of assault, threats with a knife and violating a restraining order, and have asked a court to detain him for four weeks on grounds of risk of reoffending.
Høiby is due to face the Oslo district court on Tuesday on an indictment that lists 38 counts, including rape, abuse in a close relationship, multiple acts of violence, transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana and making death threats. Prosecutors have said he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to run until mid-March.
Charges and alleged incidents
The indictment focuses on four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024. It also alleges violence and threats against a former partner between the summer of 2022 and the fall of 2023, two acts of violence against a subsequent partner, and violations of a restraining order. Separately, prosecutors allege Høiby transported several kilograms of marijuana.
- Four counts of alleged rape between 2018 and November 2024
- Alleged abuse and threats in a close relationship, summer 2022 to fall 2023
- Two alleged acts of violence against a later partner
- Violation of a restraining order
- Transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana
- Allegations of making death threats and traffic violations
He denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.
Høiby’s defence team
Royal family response and public fallout
The royal house has said Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit do not plan to attend the trial, and they will not comment during the proceedings. Haakon emphasised that Høiby has no royal title or official duties and, as a private citizen, has the same responsibilities and rights as others.
I am confident that all concerned will make the trial as orderly, proper and fair as possible.
Crown Prince Haakon
While the Norwegian royal family remains generally popular, the case has created a sustained period of negative attention. The legal proceedings coincide with renewed scrutiny of Mette-Marit’s past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, which have drawn criticism in domestic media.
Epstein documents and renewed scrutiny of the crown princess
A recent release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein included several hundred mentions of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Norwegian media reported that the documents show she borrowed a Palm Beach property owned by Epstein for a few days in early 2013. The royal house confirmed the stay occurred through a mutual friend.
I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly, and for not realizing sooner what kind of person he was. I deeply regret this, and it is a responsibility I must bear. I showed poor judgment and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, in a royal house statement
That issue, together with Høiby’s charges and separate controversies surrounding other members of the royal family, have contributed to broader public debate about the monarchy’s public image.
Legal process and next steps
Høiby was first indicted in August and had been free pending trial until his arrest on Sunday. Police said his lawyers could not be reached immediately for comment after the detention request. The court will hear the prosecution’s case and the defence’s response during the proceedings scheduled to continue into March.
Authorities are treating the matter as a criminal case involving serious allegations. The outcome will depend on the court’s assessment of evidence presented by prosecutors and the arguments from the defence.
The royal house has declined to add further comment while the legal process is under way. The trial will determine whether Høiby is convicted on any of the counts and what penalties, if any, he may face.
Norwayroyal familyMarius Borg Høibycriminal trialCrown Princess Mette-Marit
