Oslo police have formally charged Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, with a number of severe offenses together with rape, sexual assault, and bodily violence. The fees comply with a 10-month investigation involving over a dozen alleged victims, with proof drawn from witness testimonies, textual content messages, and forensic searches.
Police Lawyer Kruszewski confirms rape costs
Police Lawyer Andreas Kruszewski confirmed the fees embody one depend of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape with out intercourse, 4 sexual assaults, and two circumstances of bodily hurt. Whereas Høiby cooperated throughout questioning, his protection lawyer, Petar Sekulic, acknowledged his consumer “doesn’t acknowledge wrongdoing” in most allegations, significantly these involving sexual violence or assault. Høiby stays free pending trial underneath Norway’s presumption of innocence precept.
Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, grew up alongside his royal half-siblings on the Skaugum property however holds no formal title or royal function. As soon as affectionately nicknamed “Little Marius,” his grownup life has been marred by authorized troubles, together with a 2017 drug conviction and prior arrests in 2024 for assault and violating restraining orders.
The latest investigation uncovered extra allegations from a number of former companions, with police citing incidents at Skaugum and Oslo residences. Høiby has acknowledged struggles with cocaine habit and “psychological troubles,” and spent every week in Hamar Jail throughout the probe. The royal household, whereas notified of investigations, has maintained strict silence, deferring to authorized “regular procedures”.
Largest scandal for Norway’s monarchy
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s monarchy, traditionally revered however now going through its “greatest disaster since 1905,” in accordance with commentators. Concurrent controversies, together with Princess Märtha Louise’s marriage to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett, have fueled republican sentiment, doubling membership in anti-monarchy teams. Polls present 45% of Norwegians view the royal household much less favorably amid Høiby’s case. His ties to felony circles, together with gang members and alleged mafia associates, additional compound considerations.
The palace’s technique of silence contrasts with Høiby’s transient 2024 public apology for “alcohol and cocaine-fueled” violence, although he denies all rape claims. The trial date stays unset, with prosecutors reviewing the file .
