Trending Now - Norway Crown Princess's Son Faces Sentencing in Rape Trial
WHO:
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø
Defense lawyer Petar Sekulic
WHAT:
Marius Borg Høiby is charged with 40 offenses, including four counts of rape.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Høiby.
Høiby denies the rape allegations and claims the encounters were consensual.
Høiby has admitted to lesser offenses, including drug possession and traffic violations.
The trial has included testimony from around 70 witnesses and presented hundreds of text messages and digital evidence.
Høiby stated in court, “My whole life is common property. I am no longer Marius, I’m a monster.”
WHERE:
The trial is taking place at Oslo District Court, Norway.
The investigation began in Oslo’s upscale Frogner neighborhood.
WHEN:
The trial has been ongoing for six weeks, closing on March 19th, 2026.
The investigation of Høiby began in 2024.
Høiby was arrested following reports of a violent incident in 2024.
WHY:
The charges stem from allegations that Høiby engaged in sexual acts with women who were unable to give consent due to being asleep or incapacitated.
The defense argues that Høiby has faced extraordinary media pressure due to his royal connections, affecting public perception.
HOW:
Prosecutors presented evidence including photos and videos recovered from Høiby’s phone.
The defense contends that there is no evidence supporting the rape charges and questions the credibility of the alleged victims.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 21:12 UTC)
In a high-profile trial at Oslo District Court, Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, faces 40 charges, including four counts of rape, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of seven years and seven months. Høiby denies the allegations, claiming the encounters were consensual, while admitting to lesser offenses like drug possession and traffic violations, and has described himself in court as "a monster." The trial, which has lasted six weeks and included testimony from around 70 witnesses, has seen the presentation of extensive digital evidence, including photos and videos from Høiby’s phone.