Royal Scandal: Rape Charges in Norway Shock the Nation
Marius Borg Hoeiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing rape charges in Norway after a lengthy police investigation that uncovered multiple alleged victims, Oslo police announced Friday.
Investigation and Charges
Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski confirmed that Hoeiby cooperated throughout the investigation. The case involved a range of serious offenses:
One charge of rape involving intercourse
Two charges of rape without intercourse
Four cases of sexual assault
Two incidents of bodily harm
Evidence includes text messages, witness testimonies, and findings from police searches. Kruszewski declined to state the exact number of victims but noted it was in the “double digits.”
Defense and Royal Palace Response
Hoeiby’s attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated via email that his client “takes the accusations seriously but denies most of them — especially those related to sexual abuse and violence.” The Norwegian royal palace issued a short statement saying the case was “moving through the legal system” and declined to elaborate.
Public and Media Attention
The case quickly dominated national headlines. Although Hoeiby is not in the direct line of succession, his upbringing inside the royal household has drawn intense public interest. He formerly lived with Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit and now resides nearby.
Despite the charges, Hoeiby remains free pending a possible trial and maintains the presumption of innocence under Norwegian law.
Background and Past Controversy
Often known as “Little Marius” in the media, Hoeiby has lived much of his life in the public eye. His biological father, Morten Borg, had served prison time for drug-related offenses. Hoeiby has also publicly admitted to past cocaine use and addiction.
The royal marriage of Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon in 2001 stirred initial controversy due to her past relationships and status as a single mother. However, she later gained widespread acceptance and popularity.
