Oslo police announced on Friday that Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. This follows a months-long investigation into allegations involving a “double-digit” number of victims.
Hoiby, whose stepfather is Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, has been under police investigation since his arrest in 2024 regarding rape accusations. He also faced preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage.
Oslo police lawyer Andreas Kruszewski stated that Hoiby cooperated fully during police questioning, which is now concluded.
Mr. Kruszewski said evidence gathered included text messages, witness statements, and findings from police searches.
The charges include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm, according to Mr. Kruszewski at a press conference.
“I cannot provide further details regarding the number of victims in this case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,” he stated.
Defence lawyer Petar Sekulic told The Associated Press via email that Hoiby is “absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases, especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.”
The royal palace has not issued a statement on the matter.
The Norwegian newswire NTB quoted the palace as stating it would refrain from commenting while the case proceeds through the “normal procedures.”
The case has become a major news item in Norway, where the royal family enjoys considerable popularity.
According to Mr. Sekulic, Hoiby, 28, previously lived with the royal couple and their children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now resides in a separate residence nearby.
Hoiby remains a free man pending a possible trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Once known as “Little Marius,” Hoiby grew up in the public spotlight, enjoying similar advantages as his royal siblings. However, his biological father, Morton Borg, previously served prison time for drug-related and violent offenses.
Hoiby has admitted to cocaine use and addiction.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s 2001 marriage to Haakon garnered significant attention due to her status as a single mother with a past relationship with an individual convicted on drug charges.
