Norwegian Court to Deliver Verdict in Rape Trial of Crown Princess's Son

The Oslo District Court said it will announce its verdict on June 15 in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's crown princess. The announcement came after six weeks of proceedings that ended on March 19. Prosecutors sought a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Høiby, who denies the rape allegations.

Høiby, 29, faces a total of 40 offenses, including four counts of rape between 2018 and 2024. He is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit by a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. Høiby holds no royal titles or official duties.

Defense lawyers said there was no evidence to support the rape charges. Høiby has admitted to lesser offenses, including drug possession and transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana in 2020. He has also admitted to traffic violations, breaches of a restraining order involving a former partner, and partially admitted to acts related to violence and threats while disputing key aspects including intent.

The defense team argued that a maximum sentence of 18 months would be appropriate for the charges Høiby has admitted. It said he has lived under extraordinary media pressure due to his royal family connections, which shaped public perception of the case.

The trial has drawn attention to Norway's royal family.

Separately this year, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her past connections with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She is not accused of any wrongdoing in that matter. The court proceedings concluded on March 19. The verdict is scheduled for delivery on June 15.