Marius Borg Hoiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been formally charged with serious crimes including rape, assault, domestic violence, vandalism and filming women without consent, news agency Reuters reported on Monday. Prosecutors revealed that the allegations follow a year-long police investigation.
According to the report, Hoiby is expected to stand trial early next year and faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges.
‘Very Serious Acts That Can Leave Lasting Scars’
Officials, the report said, have charged Hoiby with 32 criminal offenses, including one count of rape with intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse — some of which were allegedly filmed on his phone. He also faces charges related to upsetting the peace, violating restraining orders and attacking former partners, the report said.
“These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives,” Prosecutor Sturla Henriksboe said at a press conference, per Reuters. Henriksboe, however, noted that the fact that Hoiby is part of the royal family should not affect how he is treated under the law.
Response from Hoiby and the Palace
Hoiby’s lawyer Ellen Holager Andenaes has denied the most serious allegations, including rape and domestic violence, but offered no further comment. Hoiby had not entered a plea at the time of writing this report.
“It is up to the courts to hear this case and to reach a decision,” The royal palace commented, as reported by Reuters.
Hoiby, the report further said, had previously admitted to assault and property damage during an incident in August 2024. He said at the time that he acted “under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument,” and mentioned struggling with “mental troubles” and substance abuse.
Royal Connection, Legal Reality
Hoiby, who was thrust into public attention when his mother married the crown prince when he was just four-year-old, has grown up alongside his official royal half-siblings Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Unlike them, Hoiby has no formal role and is not in the line of succession.
Police initially detained Hoiby in November 2024. After months of background work, they proceeded to charge him on Monday with crimes spanning back to alleged offenses that took place between 2018 and 2024.
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