Date: June 15, 2026 l By Kimberly White
OSLO, Norway — The stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince has been convicted of rape and multiple additional offences in a case that has drawn intense national attention and renewed scrutiny of one of Europe’s most prominent royal families.
An Oslo District Court ruled Monday that 29-year-old Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was guilty on two counts of rape along with domestic violence and several other criminal offences. The court sentenced him to four years in prison following a closely watched seven-week trial.
Høiby became connected to Norway’s royal household in 2001 when his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married Crown Prince Haakon. Although he has never held a royal title or carried official royal duties, his public profile and family connections placed the proceedings under unusually high public and media attention.
Court documents and reporting indicated that prosecutors had pursued a broader case involving dozens of alleged offences. The court ultimately found Høiby guilty on 34 charges while acquitting him on several others, including two additional rape counts where judges concluded the evidence did not meet the legal threshold for conviction.
The prosecution had sought a significantly longer sentence of seven years and seven months. Høiby denied the most serious allegations during trial proceedings but admitted responsibility for some lesser offences. His legal team has indicated that the verdict may be appealed.
One of the rape convictions involved an incident that prosecutors said occurred at the Skaugum estate, the official residence associated with Norway’s crown prince. The broader case also included charges linked to domestic abuse, narcotics offences, and violations of court restrictions.
The trial became one of the most discussed legal proceedings in Norway in recent years and generated wider debate about privilege, accountability, and whether public figures connected to institutions of power are treated differently by the justice system. Prosecutors emphasized that the ruling demonstrated equal application of the law regardless of family status.
The Norwegian royal household has not publicly commented on the verdict. The case arrives during a period of broader public discussion surrounding the monarchy’s future role and public confidence in royal institutions. Analysts say the outcome may continue to influence perceptions of the royal family despite Høiby not holding an official constitutional position.
Høiby retains the right to appeal the ruling under Norwegian law.