The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Hoiby, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape and additional criminal charges. The 29-year-old, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was convicted following a seven-week trial in Oslo that concluded on Monday. Hoiby pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stemmed from incidents involving four women between 2018 and 2024, some of whom were allegedly asleep or incapacitated during the assaults. The court heard that one of the alleged rapes occurred in the basement of the Crown Prince's residence.
Hoiby faced a total of 40 charges, with prosecutors seeking a sentence of seven years and seven months. Defense lawyers argued he should be acquitted of rape and receive no more than 18 months for admitted offenses. The court acquitted him of two other rape charges but found him guilty of domestic abuse toward an ex-girlfriend, issuing threats, and traffic violations. Evidence presented included over 800 messages, self-recorded sexual videos, and testimony detailing Hoiby's drug use. Prosecutors described him as believing he "can do whatever he wants," a claim he denied, stating he was not "in the habit of having sex with women who are asleep" and criticizing media portrayal of him as a "monster."
The verdict can be appealed. Hoiby's legal team has not yet confirmed whether they will challenge the ruling.
The sentencing of Marius Borg Hoiby exposes the limits of privilege when legal accountability follows persistent allegations of abuse. Despite his royal connections, the court rejected claims of innocence on key charges involving incapacitated victims. The trial's focus on digital evidence and personal conduct underscores how public figures are increasingly scrutinized in cases of sexual violence. No appeal has yet been filed.
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