Norwegian prosecutors have formally indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on a series of serious criminal charges stemming from allegations of violence and sexual misconduct.
According to a New York Post report, the indictment includes 32 counts filed in the Oslo district court after a lengthy investigation. Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø stated that Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted on these charges.
The charges encompass rape, abuse in a close relationship directed at one former partner, and acts of violence against another individual. Additional accusations involve making death threats and committing traffic violations, highlighting a pattern of alleged wrongdoing that has drawn significant public attention.
Charges Detail Serious Allegations
Høiby, who is 28 years old, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. He holds no royal title or official duties within the monarchy, which has allowed him to maintain a relatively private life until these legal issues emerged.
The indictment follows multiple arrests last year related to various allegations of misconduct, placing Høiby under intense scrutiny from law enforcement and the media. Prosecutors announced the charges on Monday, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the investigation that led to this point.
Specific counts in the indictment accuse Høiby of engaging in abusive behavior within a romantic relationship, including physical acts that caused harm to a former partner. Other elements involve violent actions against a different person, combined with threats that could endanger lives, all of which prosecutors aim to prove in court.
Defense Prepares Strong Denial
Defense attorney Petar Sekulic responded to the indictment via email, asserting that his client rejects the accusations. He indicated that Høiby plans to provide a thorough explanation of his perspective during the legal proceedings.
“Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence,” Sekulic stated in his response. He further noted that Høiby “will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”
This denial covers the core allegations of rape and abuse, positioning the defense to challenge the evidence presented by prosecutors. Sekulic's statement underscores a strategy focused on contesting the majority of the violence-related claims while preparing for a full courtroom defense.
Trial Timeline and Royal Response
Henriksbø, the state attorney, estimated that the trial might commence in mid-January and could last approximately six weeks due to the complexity of the 32 counts. He also mentioned that there is no current basis to detain Høiby prior to the trial, allowing him to remain free under certain conditions.
The proceedings are set to take place in the Oslo district court, where evidence from the lengthy investigation will be examined in detail. This timeline reflects the thorough preparation required for a case involving multiple victims and a range of criminal acts.
The royal palace issued a brief statement, deferring entirely to the judicial system for resolution. Officials emphasized that the matter is for the courts to decide and offered no additional commentary on the indictment or its implications for the family.
