Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
Norwegian officials confirmed on 18 August that Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been charged with 32 offences following a year-long police investigation.
The indictment includes four counts of r.a.p.e — one involving intercourse and three without, some of which prosecutors say he filmed on his phone. These alleged crimes are said to have taken place in 2018, 2023 and 2024, the last incident occurring even after the investigation had already begun.
In addition to the rape charges, Høiby is accused of domestic violence in close relationships, repeated assaults on at least two former partners, issuing death threats, damaging property, and harassing police. Authorities also allege that he filmed women’s genitals without their consent and committed multiple traffic violations, including driving without a license.
Although Høiby grew up within the royal household, he holds no royal title and is not in the line of succession.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s historic future role
While her half-brother faces trial, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, remains second-in-line to the Norwegian throne and is expected to become the country’s first queen in more than 600 years. The last female monarch was Margaret I, who reigned in the 1380s.
Earlier this year, Ingrid Alexandra completed 15 months of military training with the Engineer Battalion at Skjold camp. Last month, she moved to Australia to begin a three-year degree in international relations and political economy at the University of Sydney. According to the royal court, the princess will reside in a student residence on campus while studying full time.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, confidential help is available. Contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. For support with domestic violence, the national helpline Refuge can be reached on 0808 2000 247, also open 24/7, or via live chat between 10am and 10pm, Monday to Friday. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.