32 Charges Including Sexual Assault... Norway in Uproar Over Crown Princess's Son Indicted

Indicted on Multiple Criminal Charges, Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison
Royal Palace: "A Matter for the Judiciary, No Further Comment"

Norwegian prosecutors have indicted Marius Borg Høiby (28), the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on multiple criminal charges, including sexual assault.

Marius Borg Hoyevi, the eldest son of the Crown Princess of Norway, who has been indicted on 32 criminal charges. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to multiple foreign media outlets, including the Associated Press, on August 18 (local time), the Oslo District Prosecutor's Office stated that Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The indictment submitted to the Oslo District Court lists a total of 32 charges, including rape, abuse and assault of a partner, threats to kill, and traffic violations.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit (51) and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon (51). He was born to Mette-Marit before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Unlike Princess Ingrid Alexandra (21) and Prince Sverre Magnus (19), who were born into the royal family, he does not hold a royal title or engage in official royal duties. He has attracted public attention after being arrested multiple times last year on various criminal charges. Currently, he is not in custody, and the trial is expected to begin around mid-January next year and last for approximately six weeks.

The defendant's attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated, "My client categorically denies all sexual crime charges and most of the violence-related charges," adding that a detailed position will be presented in court. The Norwegian royal palace commented on the case, saying, "This is a matter for the judiciary to decide, and we have no further comment."