Norway’s Crown Princess’s Son Faces Court on 38 Charges Including Rape as Trial Begins

Feb 20, 2026

Son of Norway princess charged with four rapes | Courthouse News Service

OSLO, Norway — The son of Norway’s Crown Princess has been thrust into a serious criminal trial that could shape public confidence in the monarchy. On Tuesday, 29-year-old Marius Borg Høiby appeared in Oslo District Court to face 38 charges including rape, sexual assault and violence — but insists he is innocent of the most severe allegations.

The stakes are high for the royal family and the public as the trial unfolds amid intense media scrutiny. Høiby is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, but unlike his half-siblings, he holds no official royal role or place in the line of succession.

Court files and statements from Norwegian outlets show prosecutors have alleged multiple incidents of rape and abuse stretching over several years. The indictment lists 38 separate counts including sexual assault, filming people without consent, bodily harm, and violating a restraining order. Høiby has pleaded not guilty to the four rape counts read out in court so far, according to the BBC and People.

Complicating the case, Høiby has admitted partial guilt on some lesser offenses including assault and other non-sexual matters, but he contests the most serious charges. Defense lawyers have emphasized he is entitled to a fair process and plans to challenge the court’s decisions at several stages.

“The defendant maintains that what occurred was consensual and disputes the characterization of the events as criminal,” his lawyer said in Oslo District Court this week.

The case matters beyond this individual — it has sparked broader debate in Norway about privilege, accountability and the role of high-profile families in the justice system. Høiby’s trial is scheduled to run through March, with witness testimony and evidence presentation expected to dominate headlines for weeks.

As prosecutors lay out their case and defense strategies develop, the public and media will continue watching every development closely. The next major court dates are set for later this month, with significant testimony expected as the trial progresses.

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