Norway Crown Princess’s Son Convicted and Sentenced to Four Years for Rape
OSLO — An Oslo court on Monday found Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29‑year‑old son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, guilty on two counts of rape and sentenced him to four years in prison. The verdict caps a scandal that has deeply shaken Norway’s royal family and drawn intense public scrutiny.
Hoiby, who is Mette‑Marit’s child from a relationship before her 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, faced a total of 40 charges. The prosecution had argued for a sentence of up to 16 years, the maximum allowed under Norwegian law. The court acquitted him of two other rape counts.
In addition to the rape convictions, the court also found Hoiby guilty of domestic abuse against a former girlfriend, issuing criminal threats, and multiple traffic violations. The judges described the evidence as clear and consistent, noting that the assaults occurred over a period of time.
During the trial, Hoiby’s defense team had argued that the encounters were consensual and denied the most serious allegations. However, the court ruled that the testimonies of the victims, along with forensic evidence and witness accounts, proved beyond reasonable doubt that Hoiby had used force and coercion.
The case has placed Norway’s monarchy in an uncomfortable spotlight. Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and Crown Prince Haakon have largely stayed silent on the proceedings, issuing only a brief statement expressing respect for the judicial process. Legal experts say the sentence is among the most severe handed down to a close relative of a sitting royal in modern Norwegian history.
Hoiby, who does not hold an official royal title and has lived a largely private life, was taken into custody immediately after the verdict. His lawyer confirmed that an appeal would be filed, arguing that the court had misinterpreted key evidence.
The Oslo district court also ordered Hoiby to pay compensation to the victims. The amount has not yet been disclosed.
The ruling has sparked widespread debate in Norway about accountability and privilege, with many commentators noting that the conviction shows no one is above the law — regardless of their ties to the royal family.
Also Read:
US Says Downed Multiple Iran Drones as Both Insist Deal Is Closer Than Ever
Madinah Records Nearly SR989 Million in Real Estate Auction Deals During 2025
