The Norwegian royal family is going through one of the most difficult moments. Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s pulmonary condition continues to worsen as she awaits a lung transplant, while Queen Sonja was recently hospitalized for heart failure before being discharged. Marius Borg Høiby, the Crown Princess’s son from before her marriage, remains in pretrial detention as the criminal case against him nears its conclusion.
The family will have an answer soon, with the trial’s verdict due on Monday, June 15.
What charges does Marius Borg face?
The trial has drawn intense public attention and is considered one of the most complex criminal proceedings in Norway’s modern history. Prosecutors charged Marius Borg with 40 offenses in total, including four counts of rape, abuse within intimate relationships, physical violence, death threats, violations of restraining orders, drug-related offenses, traffic violations, and the covert recording of women without their consent.
© HAKON MOSVOLD LARSENBorg has denied the most serious charges, including the rape allegations, while admitting to some of the lesser offenses, including certain traffic violations and drug-related counts.
What sentence has the prosecution requested?
The prosecution has requested a sentence of seven years and seven months in prison, arguing that the punishment must reflect the gravity of the offenses attributed to Borg, particularly the four alleged rape charges.
Prosecutors hold Borg responsible for 39 of the 40 charges and have argued that his conduct represents a sustained pattern of disregard for the law and for his victims.
© LISE ASERUDHaakon speaks ahead of the verdict
Crown Prince Haakon, who was on an official visit to Japan at the time of the statements, said from Tokyo that the royal family is prepared for the verdict.
The case has weighed heavily on the royal family. Although Borg holds no royal title and is not a member of the Royal House, he has been part of the wider family since he was a boy. In previous statements, Crown Prince Haakon emphasized that the Royal House is mindful of all parties affected by the case and has expressed his confidence in the judicial system’s handling of the proceedings.
Shortly before departing for Japan, Crown Prince Haakon announced that he would cut the trip one day short to return home. He later confirmed that the decision was due to the deterioration of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s condition as a result of her chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
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