Norwegian Royal Family Rocked as Crown Princess’ Son Faces Disturbing Charges

A deepening scandal in Norway’s royal family is raising questions about moral leadership and accountability, as the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit stands accused of a series of heinous crimes.

On Friday, Oslo police confirmed that 28-year-old Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest child of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct — including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm — in a case that has stunned the traditionally discreet Nordic monarchy.

According to the Associated Press, Høiby faces one charge of rape involving intercourse, two additional rape charges without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two charges of inflicting bodily harm. Authorities report that the number of alleged victims is in the “double-digit” range, further escalating the severity of the accusations.

Høiby, whose privileged upbringing included lavish parties and public scrutiny, is said to be “absolutely taking the accusations very seriously,” though his attorney, Petar Sekulic, told the AP that he “doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases — especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.”

The New York Times noted that Høiby was initially arrested in August 2024 for charges of bodily harm and damage. A separate arrest followed in September in connection to a rape investigation.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the Norwegian royal palace offered only a terse response, saying: “The case is proceeding through the legal system and is following normal procedures. We have nothing further to add,” according to the Associated Press.

But outside the palace walls, the anger is growing.

Norwegian public figure and media personality Linni Meister, one of the alleged victims, came forward earlier this year in an emotional podcast episode, claiming Høiby raped her during one of his infamous “castle basement” parties while she was unconscious.

“He has no respect for himself or his family. Not even for us victims. It’s hurtful. What happened afterwards is almost worse for me,” Meister said, as reported by the U.K.’s Daily Mail.

“Instead of doing the right thing, he runs away and goes to a party. I am appalled by how things are being handled by the defendant. And why isn’t more happening? It pisses me off!” she added.

Meister, 39, went on to blast the institution itself: “If we are going to have a monarchy, we have to be able to trust it. He is not even in a place where he takes care of his health. He travels from country to country to party!”

As of now, Høiby remains free pending trial. Under Norwegian law, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But the silence from the palace — and the high-profile nature of the case — has prompted calls from conservatives and royalists alike for greater transparency and personal accountability from those who claim to represent national values.

Høiby is the biological son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon — the heir to Norway’s throne — in 2001, when Marius was just four years old. At the time, many Norwegians praised the royal couple for embracing a modern family image. Today, that image is cracking under the weight of public outrage and institutional silence.