Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norwegian Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has been indicted on felony counts for rape, sexual abuse and physical harm. He’s the first-born child of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit—and step-son of Crown Prince Haakon. The 28-year-old appeared here in her July arrest, her third time being booked in 2024. This amid a widening state investigation that has found a “double-digit” number of alleged victims.
Høiby is charged with felonies. These comprise one case of rape with penetration, two cases of rape without penetration, four cases of sexual assault, and two cases of bodily harm. These allegations including trafficking minors groomed for sex have left a dark cloud over the royal family. Høiby, until recently lived with his mother, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stepfather Crown Prince Haakon and his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. He currently lives in a different house down the street.
Police carried out a round of arrests in response to claims of rape. They, too, had filed initial charges of physical injury and property destruction. The investigation had taken a very close look at Høiby’s actions. It has raised inquiries regarding the context in which the purported incidents occurred.
Andreas Kruszewski, an official who led the investigation, described the case’s enormous scope. There was one big thing he didn’t share.
“I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number.” – Andreas Kruszewski
Høiby’s legal representative, Petar Sekulic, stated that his client takes the accusations seriously but does not acknowledge wrongdoing in most cases, particularly concerning the allegations of sexual abuse and violence.
“We are 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.” – Petar Sekulic
The ordeal has received widespread media coverage and national public outrage. As investigations continue, the royal family is likely to face challenges in managing the implications of Høiby’s actions on their public image.