Background on Marius Borg Høiby and His Family Connection
Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with four alleged rapes and 32 other crimes, according to an announcement made by the Norwegian prosecutor’s office on Monday. This development continues to shake the royal family, which has been under scrutiny for over a year.
Born to Mette-Marit before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Marius has a complicated background. His father, Morten Borg, was convicted for violence and drug-related offenses. Marius gained public attention when his mother married the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon, becoming a half-sibling to Princess Ingrid Alexandra (21) and Prince Sverre Magnus (19).
Charges and Alleged Crimes
The prosecutor, Sturla Henriksbø, stated that Marius Borg Høiby faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years for the serious crimes he has been accused of. These alleged offenses include four counts of rape, physical and emotional abuse against his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, and recording images without consent.
Høiby is accused of raping four women while they were asleep and filming the acts. He also allegedly physically assaulted Haukland, including slamming her head against a wall and pushing her into a refrigerator, between the summer of 2022 and fall of 2023.
Marius Borg Høiby’s History of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
Following his arrest on August 4, 2024, for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Høiby admitted to acting under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after a disagreement. He claimed to suffer from mental health issues and a long-standing struggle with drug addiction.
These revelations led to further accusations from 16 victims, according to the prosecutor. Høiby spent a week in detention in November, an unprecedented situation for the royal family.
Henriksbø emphasized that Høiby’s status as a member of the royal family should not imply any special treatment or harsher punishment compared to others who might commit similar offenses.
Impact on Norwegian Royal Family’s Image
Marius Borg Høiby, described as a tall, blonde man with tattoos and piercings, was born on January 13, 1997. His past includes a one-week stint in a London detox center last year due to drug issues. In 2017, he was arrested for cocaine use at a music festival and received a fine.
Though these incidents have tarnished the royal family’s image, the institution remains popular, especially King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon. The palace declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is up to the courts to examine and decide.
A December poll by Norway’s public television, NRK, revealed that 45% of respondents believed their opinion of the royal family had worsened over the past year. The trial is expected to take place in January 2026, as announced by the prosecutor’s office.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marius Borg Høiby? Marius Borg Høiby is the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Princess Mette-Marit, born from her relationship with Morten Borg before marrying Crown Prince Haakon.
- What are the charges against him? Høiby faces four counts of rape, physical and emotional abuse against his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, recording images without consent, and 32 other crimes.
- What is his background? Høiby gained public attention when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon. He has a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, including a week-long stay in a London detox center last year.
- How has this affected the Norwegian royal family? Though popular, the royal family’s image has been tarnished by these incidents. A recent poll showed that 45% of Norwegians believe their opinion of the royal family has worsened in the past year.
- When will the trial take place? The trial is expected to commence in January 2026, as announced by the prosecutor’s office.
