Son of Norway’s Crown Princess Is Convicted of Rape

Key Points:

• Marius Borg Høiby, eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was found guilty of rape and domestic violence by a Norwegian court and sentenced to four years in prison, along with paying $67,000 in damages to four victims.
• The case attracted significant attention due to Høiby’s connection to the royal family, though he holds no royal titles or succession rights as he is not a blood relative.
• Police began investigating Høiby in August 2024 after an assault on an ex-girlfriend, with additional victims coming forward, leading to multiple charges including rape, death threats, and violating restraining orders.
• The court convicted Høiby on 34 charges, including two counts of rape and abuse, while acquitting him on two other rape charges; his legal team has appealed the verdict.
• The conviction adds to difficulties for the royal family, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit currently awaiting a double lung transplant and having faced criticism over past associations, while Høiby’s request for compassionate release to visit her was denied by the Court of Appeal.