NORWAY – Marius Borg Hoiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with raping four women and multiple acts of violence, prosecutors announced Monday. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
The unprecedented case has sent shockwaves through Norway’s royal family, marking the first time a member of the royal household has faced such serious criminal allegations.
Public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo told reporters that Hoiby is accused of raping four women while they were sleeping. In at least three cases, the suspect had met the victims on the same day and engaged in consensual sexual activity before the alleged rapes occurred.
“These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives,” Henriksbo said during a press conference.
The alleged rapes took place in 2018, 2023, and 2024, with the most recent incident occurring after police had already begun their investigation. Hoiby is also charged with filming the victims’ genitals without their knowledge.
Henriksbo confirmed that investigators possess video clips and photographs as evidence in the case.
Additional charges
Beyond the rape allegations, Hoiby faces multiple other charges including: – Domestic abuse against a former partner – Several counts of violence – Disturbing the peace – Vandalism – Violations of restraining orders against another former partner
The only victim publicly identified by prosecutors is Hoiby’s ex-girlfriend, Nora Haukland, whom he allegedly physically and psychologically abused between 2022 and 2023.
“The violence consisted, among other things, of him repeatedly hitting her in the face, including with a clenched fist, choking her, kicking her and grabbing her hard,” the prosecutor detailed.
Royal family response
The Norwegian palace maintained a restrained response to the charges. Palace spokeswoman Sara Svanemyr stated in an email to AFP: “It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision.”
Prosecutor Henriksbo emphasized that Hoiby’s royal connections would not influence the legal proceedings. “As a member of the royal family, [he] would not be treated more lightly or more severely than anyone else in similar circumstances,” he said.
Hoiby has already admitted to assault and vandalism in an August 2024 incident that first brought him to police attention. Ten days after his arrest, he issued a public statement acknowledging he had acted “under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.”
In the statement, Hoiby cited “mental troubles” and admitted to struggling “for a long time with substance abuse.”
When rape allegations first emerged in November, Hoiby spent a week in custody – an unprecedented situation for a member of Norway’s royal family. Following his release, he reportedly entered rehabilitation treatment in London.
Complex royal position
Hoiby occupies a unique position within Norway’s royal household. Born from Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s relationship with Morten Borg—who has also been convicted of abuse and drug-related crimes – Hoiby was thrust into the royal spotlight at age four when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001.
The couple went on to have two more children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra (21) and Prince Sverre Magnus (19). While Hoiby was raised alongside his step-siblings, he holds no official public role, unlike his younger siblings who are in the line of succession.
“He has been put in a virtually impossible position: one foot in, one foot out. He is not technically part of the royal household but he grew up in it,” explained Sigrid Hvidsten, royal commentator at the newspaper Dagbladet.
“He has lived in a grey zone, a kind of gilded cage,” Hvidsten said in December 2024.
Troubled background
Hoiby’s mother was part of Norway’s house music scene before her royal marriage, a subculture known for its association with drugs including hash and ecstasy. This background has continued to influence Hoiby’s adult life.
Media reports indicate he has associated with gang members, Hells Angels bikers, and members of Oslo’s Albanian mafia. In 2023, police contacted him for a cautionary discussion after observing his connections to “notorious criminals.”
Additional revelations show that Hoiby was previously arrested in 2017 for cocaine use at a music festival, though this incident was not widely reported at the time.
The case now moves to Norway’s court system, where Hoiby will face trial on the multiple charges. The tall, blonde defendant, known for his “bad boy” appearance with slicked-back hair, earrings, and tattoos, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny since his initial arrest in August 2024.
The proceedings represent a significant test for Norway’s monarchy, which has generally maintained strong public support. The outcome could have lasting implications for how the royal family handles future crises and manages its public image.
The trial date has not yet been announced, but prosecutors have indicated they are prepared to present substantial evidence, including digital materials seized during the investigation.
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