Marius Borg Høiby Indicted on Multiple Charges, Including Rape
Table of Contents
Oslo, Norway – Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, has been formally indicted on 32 offenses, the Norwegian Public Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday. The charges include four counts of rape, one involving sexual intercourse and three without, stemming from an extensive investigation that concluded in June.
Details of the Indictment
State attorney Sturla Henriksbø stated that the maximum penalty for the alleged crimes is up to 10 years imprisonment.He emphasized that,at this stage,there is no necessity for arrest and that no members of the royal family are currently slated to testify,as their contact with the accused or alleged victims appears limited based on available evidence. My assessment is that there are no members of the royal family who have been in a place or have been in contact with the accused or the injured parties in a way that makes it essential to have them as witnesses in the case, or who can shed light on the case better than we can with the evidence,
Henriksbø explained during a press conference.
The investigation has revealed a series of alleged incidents. Former security personnel from Skaugum Castle, the official residence of Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit, might potentially be questioned regarding events that transpired while Høiby resided there. He reportedly moved to an outbuilding following accusations of theft involving guests he hosted in the palace cellars.
Beyond the serious sexual assault charges, Høiby also faces allegations of driving without a valid license, vandalism, and violating a restraining order. These additional charges paint a picture of a pattern of concerning behavior.
Did You Know? Norway’s legal definition of rape includes incomplete sexual acts committed against a person unable to resist, broadening the scope of the offense compared to some other jurisdictions.
Legal Defense and Royal Response
Peter Sekulik, Høiby’s attorney, released a statement asserting his client’s innocence. Our client denies all allegations of sexual abuse, as well as most allegations of violence,
Sekulik stated.He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.
A trial is anticipated to begin as early as January.
Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation briefly, stating, We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for all involved. The Norwegian palace has deferred to the courts to resolve the matter, stating it is up to the courts to hear this case and reach a decision.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | Investigation launched following an alleged assault on Rebecca Helberg Arntsen. |
| November 2024 | Second investigation initiated, alleging sexual assault. |
| June 2025 | Investigation concluded. |
| August 18, 2025 | Marius Borg Høiby formally indicted on 32 charges. |
Timeline of Events
The case began to unfold last year with multiple arrests involving alleged assaults on former partners. In August 2024, Høiby was investigated following an incident where his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca helberg Arntsen, was reportedly attacked at his Oslo apartment, resulting in a concussion requiring hospitalization. A subsequent arrest occurred weeks later for allegedly violating a restraining order obtained by Arntsen. The most serious allegations surfaced in november 2024, centering on accusations of sexual assault, specifically involving non-consensual acts.
Pro Tip: Legal proceedings in Norway,like many European countries,prioritize the privacy of victims and witnesses,which may limit the amount of data publicly released during the investigation and trial.
Prosecutor Henriksbø affirmed that Høiby will not receive preferential treatment due to his familial connection to the royal family. The fact that he is a member of the royal family should not, of course, mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if others had committed similar acts,
he stated.
What impact will this case have on the Norwegian monarchy, and how will the royal family navigate this challenging period? Will the public’s perception of the Crown Prince and Princess be affected by these allegations?
Background and Context
The Norwegian monarchy, while popular, has faced scrutiny in recent years regarding its transparency and modernization. This case adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about accountability and the potential for privilege. The legal framework surrounding sexual assault in Norway has been evolving, with increased emphasis on consent and victim support. The outcome of this trial will likely set a precedent for future cases and contribute to the ongoing national conversation about these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What charges is Marius Borg Høiby facing? He is indicted on 32 offenses, including four counts of rape, one involving sexual intercourse and three without, as well as charges of theft, vandalism, and violating a restraining order.
- What is the maximum penalty for the alleged crimes? The maximum penalty is up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Will members of the royal family testify? currently, no members of the royal family are expected to testify, as investigators believe they have no relevant information.
- What is the status of the trial? A trial is anticipated to begin as early as January.
- What has the royal family said about the allegations? Crown Prince Haakon has acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and stated the family will continue to fulfill its duties.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
