Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces a potentially lengthy imprisonment term.
The Oslo prosecutor's office has filed charges against Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old stepson of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon. Høiby, the eldest child of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, is charged with 32 counts, including rape, abuse in close relationships, bodily harm, property damage, and violations of restraining orders.
The investigation against Høiby has been ongoing for about a year, causing a significant impact on the Norwegian royal family. In an interview with broadcaster NRK at the end of 2024, Mette-Marit expressed that the investigation has been "really, really hard" for the royal family.
Høiby has been arrested and questioned several times as the investigation progressed. In November 2024, he spent a week in custody after new allegations of multiple suspected sexual offenses emerged. Despite the severity of the accusations, no confirmed public record or official update on a trial or its status against Høiby can be established as of now.
King Harald V has spoken of a difficult year for the royal family, but did not directly address the scandal surrounding Høiby in a speech at Oslo Castle. Instead, he acknowledged the joys and challenges that come with the royal household, stating that it is a team that works well together and is a family. The Norwegian royal house has remained silent on the charges against Høiby, with palace spokesperson Guri Varpe stating that the courts will handle the case.
Mette-Marit, Høiby's mother, has stated that the investigation against her son has weighed heavily on the royal family. Høiby admitted to being violent towards his then-girlfriend under the influence of alcohol and cocaine in August 2024. The sentence Høiby faces is up to ten years in prison.
It is important to note that Høiby is not an official member of the Norwegian royal house and does not carry a prince title. Høiby's two siblings, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, are from Mette-Marit's relationship with Haakon. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra recently moved to Sydney for her studies.
As the trial for Høiby is expected to begin in mid-January 2026, the royal family continues to face the challenges that come with this difficult time. Mette-Marit will turn 52 on Tuesday.
The general-news outlets are abuzz with updates on the upcoming trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old stepson of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon. This trial, scheduled for mid-January 2026, falls under the category of crime-and-justice, as Høiby faces up to ten years in prison for 32 counts including rape, abuse, bodily harm, property damage, and violations of restraining orders. The ongoing investigation has significantly impacted the royal family, causing strain and raising questions in the realm of politics.
