Convictions Include Two Rape Charges and Multiple Abuse Offences
OSLO: A Norwegian court on Monday sentenced Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, to four years in prison after finding him guilty of two counts of rape and several other criminal offences.
The verdict was delivered at Oslo District Court following months of legal proceedings that drew significant public attention across Norway. Høiby, 29, participated in the hearing through a video link due to unspecified health reasons and was not physically present in the courtroom.
Judges acquitted him of two additional rape charges but convicted him on multiple other counts, including abuse and violent conduct involving former partners. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence of more than seven years, while the defence argued for a substantially shorter term.
Defence lawyers indicated that Høiby intends to appeal the ruling.
Court Details Evidence and Compensation Orders
According to the court, the convictions involved incidents in 2018 and 2024, where judges determined that the victims were unable to resist due to being asleep or otherwise incapacitated.
The court also convicted Høiby of offences involving Norwegian influencer Nora Haukland and another former partner. Meanwhile, judges ordered him to pay a combined 640,000 Norwegian kroner in compensation to four women affected by the crimes.
One victim became emotional in court as the verdict was announced, highlighting the significance of the case for those involved.
Royal Family Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Although Høiby does not hold a royal title, the case has placed additional pressure on Norway’s royal family. The palace declined to comment on the ruling, stating only that the matter had been decided by the courts.
Furthermore, the verdict comes as Crown Princess Mette-Marit continues to battle pulmonary fibrosis and awaits a lung transplant. Legal representatives had previously sought Høiby’s release to allow him time with his mother during her illness.
Analysts say the case has affected public perceptions of the monarchy, although concerns over the Crown Princess’s health continue to dominate public attention across Norway.
