Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Convicted of Rape and Abuse

Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was sentenced in an Oslo district court on Monday for crimes including two counts of rape and various acts of domestic abuse.

Court Verdict and Legal Proceedings

The 29-year-old defendant did not appear in the courtroom but attended the announcement of the verdict via video link. A three-judge panel issued the ruling, supported by a 128-page written justification, which remains subject to appeal.

The trial, which ran from February 3 to March 19, involved testimony from over 70 witnesses and an extensive evidentiary record comprising 830 pages of messages and 10,000 pages of documentation.

Convictions and Charges

Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad confirmed the court found Hoiby guilty of raping two women, one at the Skaugum crown princely estate in 2018 and another in Oslo in 2024. Hoiby had pleaded not guilty to all four rape charges brought against him.

Beyond the rape convictions, the court found him guilty of various offenses within a broader 40-count indictment. These included psychological and physical abuse against a former partner, violation of restraining orders, property damage, and drug-related crimes.

The prosecution had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months in prison, while the defense argued for an 18-month term.

Status Within the Royal Family

Marius Borg Hoiby is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He does not hold a royal title, performs no official duties, and is not a member of the royal court.

Despite his lack of official royal status, the high-profile nature of the case has placed significant strain on the public image of the Norwegian monarchy.

Family Context and Health Concerns

The sentencing coincides with reports regarding the severe health condition of the defendant’s mother. Crown Princess Mette-Marit suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and has recently been placed on a transplant waiting list.

Defense attorneys had previously petitioned for Hoiby’s release, citing his need to spend time with his mother due to her deteriorating health.