Crown Princess's Son Faces Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in Norway

Norway’s royal family is facing significant turmoil as Marius Borg Hoiby, the oldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with rape and sexual assault following a detailed police investigation that began last August.

Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, has been officially charged with several counts of rape and sexual assault after a lengthy investigation by Oslo police. The decision follows his arrest last August on initial charges of bodily harm and property damage, with further arrests occurring in September and November, specifically related to sexual assault allegations.

The police have conducted multiple interviews with Hoiby throughout the investigation, scrutinizing substantial digital evidence. His attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated that while Hoiby takes the accusations seriously, he maintains his innocence regarding many of them, especially those related to sexual misconduct. He emphasized Hoiby’s willingness to cooperate and his aspirations for an acquittal going forward.

Marius Borg Hoiby, who became part of the royal family at age four, holds no official title. His mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, and they share two younger children, who are second and third in line for the throne after King Harald V.

The updated charges against Hoiby encompass severe allegations including one count of rape with intercourse, two counts without, and various counts of sexual misconduct, among other criminal activities. Following an earlier incident, he publicly admitted to causing bodily harm and property damage while intoxicated and expressed intentions to seek help for substance abuse.

In the upcoming months, prosecutors will decide whether to formally indict Hoiby, amid considerable public interest and scrutiny regarding the ramifications for Norway’s royal family in light of these serious claims.