Marius Borg Høiby Faces 6 New Charges Ahead of Rape Trial

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Editor’s Note: This piece contains references to sexual assault, which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been affected, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org for confidential support.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, has now been charged with six new allegations, including drug trafficking, ahead of his high-profile rape trial in Oslo.

Høiby, 29, was born to the future Norwegian queen before she met her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, and does not hold a royal title. In 2024, Mette-Marit's son was arrested three times and faced accusations of sexual assault, criminal damage, bodily harm, and violating a restraining order. He was eventually charged with 32 offenses in August 2025, including four counts of rape.

But just six days ahead of his trial, which begins February 3, Høiby has now been accused of drug trafficking, two occasions of violating a restraining order and three traffic-related violations. An opinion piece in Norwegian media outlet Se og Hør noted that the trial "is not just a court case" but "the most serious strain the Crown Prince family—and the royal family—has ever faced. "

Marius Borg Hoiby wearing a tuxedo sitting at a table — Marius Borg Høiby is pictured in 2022.

Marius Borg Hoiby in a tuxedo standing with members of the Royal Family on a red carpet — Høiby (fourth from right) is pictured with mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit (second from right) and stepfather Crown Prince Haakon (far right) in 2022.

Per Se og Hør, Crown Prince Haakon's "chin trembled" and "his voice was shaky" as he spoke to members of the press about his stepson's case.

"Of course, we are thinking a lot about all those affected by the case," the future King of Norway said. "This is something that affects them, their families, those who love them. We have concern for them." Addressing his stepson's alleged victims, Crown Prince Haakon added, "I know many of you are having a hard time right now."

The crown prince confirmed that the royal family will not be present during the trial, explaining, "We will follow the case as best we can through the media, and will follow up on Marius during the period."

The royal couple will continue with their duties during the trial, which could last up to six weeks. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is facing serious complications due to pulmonary fibrosis, will also go away on a private trip as the proceedings continue.

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.