The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been sentenced to four years in prison after a court found him guilty of rape and domestic violence.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was convicted by Oslo District Court on Monday following a seven-week trial that exposed allegations of violence, drug abuse and s***** misconduct. Høiby grew up in the public eye after becoming part of Norway's royal family when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001.
While prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, the court imposed a four-year prison term. Høiby was acquitted on two separate rape charges but found guilty on two others, including an offence that took place in the basement of the Crown Prince's residence.
Høiby was also convicted of repeated domestic abuse against a former girlfriend, along with making threats and committing a number of traffic and drug-related offences.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence recovered from Høiby's mobile phone, including s***** photographs and videos that police alleged had been recorded without consent.
The investigation began after Høiby was arrested in August 2024 following an altercation with a former partner. As investigators examined his electronic devices, they uncovered additional material that expanded the scope of the inquiry, eventually leading to 40 criminal counts.
Although Høiby grew up within Norway's royal household, he does not hold a royal title and carries out no official duties.
Reading the verdict, Oslo District Court Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad said the evidence established that one of the women involved was unable to resist Høiby's actions.
'The court finds it is proven she was not able to resist the action,' the judge said while delivering the decision.
Høiby denied the most serious allegations throughout the proceedings and pleaded not guilty to the rape charges, but admitted some lesser offences. Under Norwegian law, he retains the right to appeal.
Source: International Business Times UK
