Son of Norwegian Crown Princess Faces 32 Criminal Charges, Including Four Counts of Rape

Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with four counts of rape © Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB/AFP/File

| Published August 19, 2025

Marius Borg Høiby was first arrested last August on suspicion of assaulting a woman

Norwegian royal Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing multiple serious allegations, including the rape of TV presenter Linni Meister during a 2018 party at Skaugum Castle. The incident reportedly occurred in the basement of the royal residence, where Meister was allegedly assaulted while unconscious. She was made aware of the assault only after police presented her with videos and photographs found on Høiby’s laptop.

Høiby has been charged with 32 offenses, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and filming women without consent. The charges stem from a year-long investigation initiated after his arrest in August 2024 for allegedly assaulting a former partner. The indictment encompasses serious allegations such as domestic abuse, illegal filming of women without consent, harassment, and violations of restraining orders. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2018 and 2024, with some involving unconscious or sleeping victims and secret recordings.

Despite his royal lineage, Høiby is not a member of the royal family and holds no official title or duties. Prosecutors have emphasized that he will be treated equally under the law, regardless of his familial connections. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges. Høiby denies the rape and domestic violence allegations but has admitted to some lesser offenses, such as assault and vandalism. His trial is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and is expected to last approximately six weeks .

The Norwegian royal family has refrained from commenting on the matter, stating that it is a legal issue to be decided by the courts. The case has garnered significant public attention, reflecting the gravity of the allegations and their potential impact on the royal family’s image.

Linni Meister is a Norwegian TV presenter, glamour model and pop singerCredit: Instagram

Linni Meister learned she had allegedly been abused when cops showed her videos and photos at a police stationCredit: Instagram

Marius Borg Hoiby, top right, pictured with Princess Ingrid Alexandra, King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon and Prince Sverre Magnus

Implications of the charges against Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit:

1. Legal Implications

• Criminal liability: Høiby faces 32 criminal charges, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse, and violations of restraining orders. Conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison.

• Trial and evidence scrutiny: Prosecutors cite video and photographic evidence, which will be crucial in court. His defense will attempt to refute these allegations.

• Lengthy legal process: The trial is scheduled for January 2026 and could last six weeks, potentially extending if appeals follow.

2. Royal Family Implications

• Public scrutiny: The Norwegian royal family has remained silent, emphasizing the legal process. Still, the scandal could damage the family’s reputation.

• Political optics: Royal family members are symbolic figures in Norway, so public perception of justice and accountability may affect their standing.

• Future protocols: This may prompt stricter guidelines or oversight concerning royal family members’ public conduct.

3. Social and Cultural Implications

• Media attention: The case has garnered international coverage, highlighting issues of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and accountability, even among high-profile individuals.

• Public debate: This may trigger discussions in Norway and globally about privilege, legal equality, and how elites are treated under the law.

• Support for victims: The case could encourage more victims of abuse to come forward, knowing legal systems will investigate regardless of status.

4. Personal Implications for Høiby

• Reputation damage: Regardless of the trial outcome, his personal and professional reputation is severely affected.

• Potential incarceration: Conviction could mean years in prison, drastically altering his life trajectory.

• Family relationships: Tensions within the royal family may intensify, particularly given the public nature of the allegations.

 Overall Takeaway:

The charges against Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, serve as a stark reminder that privilege and royal status do not exempt anyone from the consequences of criminal behavior. Facing 32 criminal offenses, including multiple counts of rape, Høiby must answer for his actions in a court of law—a fundamental principle of justice.

Beyond the legal ramifications, the scandal underscores the importance of personal responsibility, accountability, and moral integrity, even among society’s elite. The Norwegian royal family’s reputation is inevitably affected, demonstrating that public figures cannot escape scrutiny when their conduct undermines societal norms. As the trial unfolds in January 2026, the outcome will signal to all citizens that criminal behavior has consequences, regardless of status, and reinforce the principle that law and order remain paramount.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Son of Norwegian Crown Princess Faces 32 Criminal Charges, Including Four Counts of Rape

PEOPLE – The Son of Norway’s Crown Princess Is Accused of Rape — and Now Faces 32 Charges

FRANCE 24 – Son of Norway princess charged with four rapes

THE US SUN – ROYAL SHAME  Norwegian royal ‘abused TV presenter at party in the basement of family castle & cops now have vid of attack’