The stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and domestic violence in a case that has shocked the country and damaged the reputation of the Norwegian royal family.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was convicted by the Oslo District Court following a seven-week trial that attracted widespread public attention. Høiby, who became part of the royal family when his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, was found guilty on two counts of rape and one count of domestic violence.
One of the rape offences took place in the basement of the Crown Prince’s residence, according to the court. He was, however, acquitted of two other rape charges.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence relating to Høiby’s drug addiction, videos of sexual encounters, and hundreds of electronic messages exchanged with a former partner.
The court heard that the victims in the rape cases were unable to resist due to their condition after attending parties. Delivering the verdict, the judge stated that the evidence proved one of the victims was not in a position to resist the act.
Although prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of seven years and seven months, the court handed Høiby a four-year sentence in line with Norwegian sentencing guidelines.
Throughout the proceedings, Høiby denied the most serious allegations, including rape and domestic violence. However, he admitted to several lesser offences, including violating restraining orders, traffic-related offences, and involvement in the transportation and delivery of marijuana.
Following the ruling, both the prosecution and Høiby’s lawyer indicated that they may consider an appeal.
The Norwegian royal household declined to comment on the verdict, stating that the matter had been decided by the courts.
The court also found Høiby guilty of physically abusing a former girlfriend between 2022 and 2023. Evidence presented during the trial alleged that he repeatedly assaulted her, choked her, threw objects at her, and subjected her to other forms of abuse.
Although Høiby does not hold a royal title and is not in the line of succession, his close ties to the Norwegian royal family have made the case one of the most closely followed legal proceedings in the country.
The scandal has also impacted public perception of the monarchy. Recent opinion polls showed a decline in support for the royal institution during the trial, although support later recovered somewhat.
The verdict marks a significant chapter in a case that has dominated headlines in Norway and raised fresh questions about the image of one of Europe’s most respected royal families.
