The court has ruled on the Marius case. A year after his first arrest and following a long investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged Marius Borg Høiby. He faces 32 counts in total, and the high-profile trial is set to begin in mid-January 2026. It is expected to last about six weeks. The eldest son of Princess Mette-Marit could face up to ten years in prison if found guilty. State prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo announced the outcome during a press conference in Oslo, where he also revealed a shocking detail.
Among the charges against the older brother of Ingrid and Sverre Magnus of Norway are four rapes of four different women, abuse in romantic relationships, acts of violence, public disorder, property damage, violation of a restraining order against an ex-girlfriend, illegal intimate recordings of women, death threats, harassment of police, and traffic offenses.
© UK Press via Getty Images“This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are grave acts that can leave behind permanent marks and destroy lives,” Henriksbø explained. He also revealed an unexpected detail: one of the alleged rapes took place within the last year.
© Getty ImagesAccording to the state prosecutor, the rapes occurred at different times between 2018 and November 2024. The most recent one happened last November, three months after his first arrest, which had already caused a major scandal—the biggest in the history of the Norwegian monarchy. “It is troubling that the indictment includes incidents that happened at a time when he should have had every reason to calm down and avoid new crimes,” he told the press, adding that Marius has cooperated throughout the process.
© Getty ImagesAll the alleged sexual assaults reportedly happened after Marius had consensual relations with the four women. According to the prosecutor, he allegedly attacked them while they were asleep and recorded those moments, which has given investigators key evidence against him. He also stated that one of the incidents is believed to have taken place at Skaugum, the residence of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Despite not sharing a roof with his family, Marius resides on the palace grounds. Skaugum, located in the municipality of Asker, is about 1,000 square meters and surrounded by a 150-decare garden, where Marius’s house is located. Police searched the property to gather evidence for the case.
While awaiting trial, Marius denies the accusations and will remain free because “there are no grounds to arrest him.” The country’s justice system maintains that “unless new circumstances arise that make it necessary, it is standard for a person to only be imprisoned after conviction.”
© GTRESThe Royal House’s reaction
After the press conference, the Royal House issued a brief statement to NRK: “It is up to the courts to handle this matter and reach a decision. We have nothing further to add.”
Marius also spoke through his lawyers. “This is a very serious indictment. He himself believes that. Now, as before, he will cooperate by giving his statement to clarify the case as best as possible,” said Peter Sekulic, one of the attorneys handling his defense.
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