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Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Princess Mette-Marit, faces 32 criminal charges, including four rapes, domestic violence, and non-consensual recording. The allegations, which have shocked the nation, span crimes committed between 2018 and 2024, with a trial scheduled for 2026. Norway’s Attorney General emphasizes that his royal connection will not influence the case. The investigation began after an August 2024 arrest for assaulting his partner, leading to further victim testimonies. Høiby, who holds no royal title, has a history of controversies, including drug possession and ties to criminal groups.
The case of 28-year-old Marius Borg Høiby has gained international attention due to the severity of the charges and his link to Norway’s royal family. Though he has no official role, his private life has long been scrutinized, particularly for turbulent relationships and controversial behavior. The Attorney General assures an impartial trial, with a maximum sentence of up to ten years.
- Main charges against Høiby:
- Four rape cases between 2018 and 2024.
- Domestic violence against former partners, including Nora Haukland.
- Recording intimate images without consent.
- Threats, vandalism, and traffic violations.
Family background and origins
Marius Borg Høiby was born in 1997 from a brief relationship between Mette-Marit, then a young woman with a troubled past, and Morten Borg, who had prior convictions for violence and drug-related crimes. Mette-Marit’s 2001 marriage to Prince Haakon brought Marius into the royal sphere, but he was never given official duties. Raised alongside his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, Høiby remains outside the line of succession. Mette-Marit faced criticism for her past, marked by attending drug-fueled parties, which stirred controversy in Norway’s conservative society.
Described by the media as a “bad boy” with tattoos and a rebellious style, Høiby’s life has been marked by questionable choices. After dropping out of a business studies program in the United States, he worked as a designer and style editor, but his personal life, including relationships with public figures like model Juliane Snekkestad, continued to draw attention.
Timeline of criminal events
Høiby’s legal troubles gained traction in 2017 when he was fined for cocaine possession at a music festival. The current case began in August 2024 with his arrest for assaulting his partner in an Oslo apartment, where police found a knife embedded in the wall, escalating the investigation. Subsequent victim testimonies revealed a pattern of violent behavior.
- Key incident timeline:
- 2017: Convicted for cocaine possession, fined approximately $400.
- August 2024: Arrested for assaulting his partner, triggering the investigation.
- September 2024: Re-arrested for violating a restraining order.
- November 2024: Detained for a week over new rape allegations.
- January 2026: Scheduled trial start date.
The rape charges, according to the prosecution, occurred at different times, with the most recent in 2024, during the ongoing investigation. The crimes often involved victims who were asleep or unable to resist, worsening the severity of the allegations.
Marius Borg Høiby – Foto: ReproduçãoRoyal family repercussions
Norway’s royal family, known for its discretion, has been deeply shaken by the scandal. Prince Haakon publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, while Mette-Marit described the past year as “very difficult,” noting the family sought professional help to cope. Despite his royal ties, Høiby does not participate in official events, though his presence at family celebrations, like his siblings’ birthdays, has been noted by the media.
The royal family’s reluctance to comment reflects a desire for privacy, but Norwegian media coverage has been relentless. The unprecedented police search of the royal residence in Skaugum intensified the case’s impact. The Attorney General reiterated that Høiby’s royal connection will not affect the trial, emphasizing equality under the law.
Høiby’s profile and behavior
Marius Borg Høiby is a controversial figure whose lifestyle contrasts with royal expectations. Norwegian media reports suggest ties to criminal groups, including Hells Angels motorcyclists and alleged Albanian mafia members in Oslo. His public image, marked by tattoos, earrings, and a rebellious demeanor, reinforces his reputation as a nonconformist.
- Aspects of Høiby’s behavior:
- Relationships with public figures, such as model Juliane Snekkestad.
- Associations with criminal groups, per local media.
- Admitted struggles with alcohol and drugs following his 2024 arrest.
- Diagnosed mental health issues, as stated in a public note.
In August 2024, Høiby admitted acting under the influence of alcohol and cocaine in one incident, acknowledging mental health struggles. He spent a week in a London detox center, but further allegations continued to emerge, leading to the current 32 charges.
Legal implications and trial
Høiby’s trial, set for January 2026, is expected to be one of Norway’s most high-profile cases in recent history. With 32 charges, including rape, domestic violence, threats, and illegal recordings, the proceedings are projected to last six weeks due to extensive witness testimonies and digital evidence. Høiby’s defense, led by attorney Ellen Holager Andenaes, denies the rape charges but admits guilt for lesser offenses like assault and vandalism.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø stressed the crimes’ severity, noting potential lifelong consequences for victims. The investigation includes digital evidence and statements from over a dozen victims, including former partners.
- Judicial process details:
- Trial set to begin in January 2026.
- Maximum sentence of up to ten years.
- Over 10 victims involved, including Nora Haukland.
- Evidence includes digital materials and detailed testimonies.
Public reaction and Norway’s response
The case has caused widespread shock in Norway, where the monarchy enjoys high popularity. Local media closely follows each development, and public sentiment on social media debates the royal family’s responsibility, despite Høiby’s lack of an official role. The prosecution’s commitment to impartiality aims to reinforce trust in Norway’s judicial system.
Norwegian society, known for its emphasis on equality, views the case as a test of the principle that no one is above the law. Media coverage, while intense, avoids sensationalism, but public interest remains high due to the royal connection.
History of royal controversies
Høiby’s scandal is not the first to challenge Norway’s royal family. Mette-Marit’s past, including her pre-marriage life and pregnancy with Høiby, sparked debate in 2001. Her relationship with Morten Borg and his criminal record fueled criticism, though she later gained public support through her dedication to family and social causes. Høiby’s case, however, surpasses prior scandals in scale and visibility.
- Other notable controversies:
- Mette-Marit and Haakon’s 2001 marriage, criticized for her past.
- Morten Borg’s convictions for violence and drug crimes.
- Høiby’s 2017 cocaine possession arrest.
The current case, with its severity and number of charges, overshadows previous controversies, posing a significant challenge to the monarchy’s stable image.
