Royal set for heartbreaking birthday clash after son charged with rape

It will undoubtedly be a challenging day for Crown Princess Mette-Marit today as she is marking her 53rd birthday one day after her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was charged with four counts of rape and could face up to 10 years in prison. The son of Norway's future Queen was charged with 32 counts, including rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, and acts of violence against another, making death threats, and traffic violations.

Marius is the Princess' first child from a previous relationship, making him the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, as well as the elder half-brother of future Queen, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus. The Crown Princess has never publicly spoken out about her son's case, however, his stepfather and representatives of the Norwegian royal house have done.

It has been reported that Marius is taking the charges seriously but that he doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases against him.

Høiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping. He is currently free pending trial, and Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo said there is currently no reason to arrest and jail him. The prosecutors’ office estimates that the trial could begin in mid-January and take around six weeks, Norway's state-owned public broadcaster NRK reported.

Henriksbo, said: "This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives. The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others."

There is reportedly evidence in the form of text messages, witness statements, and findings from police searches, investigators said.

The Norwegian Royal Family issued a statement to Norwegian media outlet NRK, which read: "The case is taking its course in the legal system, and follows normal procedures. We have nothing more to add."

However, Marius' stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, made a personal statement on the case back in 2024. He said: “Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job.

"As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help, and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.”