English
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape, domestic violence, and a range of other offenses. The verdict, delivered on June 15, 2026, by the Oslo District Court, marks the culmination of a seven-week trial that has captivated Norway and severely tested public support for the monarchy.
Høiby was convicted of raping two women — one at the Crown Prince's Skaugum estate in 2018 and another in Oslo in 2024 — while being acquitted of two additional rape charges. He was also found guilty of physically and mentally abusing his ex-girlfriend, influencer Nora Haukland, as well as drug offenses, driving violations, and breaches of restraining orders. The court ordered him to pay approximately 640,000 Norwegian kroner (€58,000) in compensation to four victims.
Context: A Troubled Life in the Royal Spotlight
Born on January 13, 1997, Marius Borg Høiby is the eldest child of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship with Morten Borg, a man with a criminal record for drug-related violence. After Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, Høiby grew up within the royal family but never held an official title, succession rights, or public duties. He has been described as an 'outsider' by Norwegian media, and his legal troubles have been mounting since 2017, including earlier convictions for drug possession and violence.
The trial revealed extensive evidence of Høiby's drug addiction and aggressive behavior. Prosecutors presented over 800 electronic messages, along with videos and photos found on his phone, showing sexual encounters with women who were asleep or incapacitated. The court heard that Høiby would lose control when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, throwing phones, punching holes in walls, and choking, hitting, and spitting on his partners. The Norwegian royal family crisis has deepened as these details emerged.
Verdict and Sentencing Details
Charges and Acquittals
The court found Høiby guilty of 34 criminal offenses in total. He was convicted on two counts of rape — one occurring in the basement of the Crown Prince's official residence at Skaugum — but acquitted on two other rape charges where the evidence was deemed insufficient. The prosecution had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, while the defense argued for a maximum of 18 months, citing Høiby's cooperation and his mother's serious illness.
Compensation and Restraining Orders
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Høiby to pay compensation to four women, including Nora Haukland. A two-year restraining order was also issued against one of the victims. Høiby, who has been in pretrial detention since early February 2026, was not present in court for the verdict. He has 14 days to appeal the decision, and his legal team has already signaled a possible appeal.
The case has been described as one of the most extensive rape investigations in recent Norwegian history. The royal family reputation damage from this trial has been significant.
Impact on the Norwegian Monarchy
The Høiby trial has dealt a severe blow to the Norwegian monarchy's public image. Polls conducted during the trial showed support for the monarchy dropping to a record low of 60% in February 2026, down from 70% in January. By May, support had recovered slightly to 64%, but the damage is evident. The scandal unfolded alongside revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, for which she publicly apologized.
Compounding the royal family's difficulties, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, is suffering from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and incurable lung disease. She was placed on a lung transplant waiting list in June 2026 and has suspended her official duties. Her condition has been described as serious, with doctors indicating she may have approximately one year left without a transplant. Høiby's request for temporary release to visit his hospitalized mother was denied by the court, citing flight risk and the severity of his crimes.
The Mette-Marit lung transplant news has drawn public sympathy, but the dual crises have sparked debate about the future of the monarchy in Norway.
Reactions and Next Steps
Prosecutors expressed satisfaction with the verdict, noting that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes. The defense indicated they would likely appeal, arguing that the sentence was excessive. Victims' advocates have praised the court for taking the case seriously, especially given Høiby's royal connections. "This verdict shows that no one is above the law, regardless of their family background," said one legal analyst.
Høiby remains in custody pending any appeal. The case continues to dominate headlines in Norway, where the royal family's future role and public trust remain under scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Marius Høiby convicted of?
Marius Høiby was convicted of two counts of rape, domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, drug offenses, driving violations, and breaches of restraining orders. He was acquitted of two other rape charges.
What is the sentence for Marius Høiby?
He was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay approximately 640,000 Norwegian kroner (€58,000) in compensation to four victims. A two-year restraining order was also imposed.
Can Marius Høiby appeal the verdict?
Yes, Høiby has 14 days to appeal the verdict. His defense team has indicated they are considering an appeal, arguing the sentence is too harsh.
How has the case affected the Norwegian monarchy?
Public support for the monarchy dropped to a record low of 60% during the trial, though it recovered slightly to 64% in May. The scandal, combined with Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health crisis and past Epstein associations, has damaged the royal family's reputation.
What is Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health condition?
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. She was placed on a lung transplant waiting list in June 2026 and has suspended her official duties. Her condition is serious, and she requires a transplant to survive.
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