Norway's royal stepson sentenced to four years for rape, plans appeal after prison outburst

Verdict and sentence

Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was convicted on Monday of two counts of rape and domestic violence against his former girlfriend Nora Haukland. The Oslo District Court also found him guilty of filming women without consent, threats, and transporting over three kilograms of cannabis. He was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay 560,000 Norwegian kroner (roughly 61,000 dollars) in damages to four women. Høiby was acquitted of two other rape charges and two counts of breaching a restraining order. He attended the hearing via video link from prison, citing health reasons.

The prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, while the defense had argued for an acquittal on the rape charges and a one-and-a-half-year term for other offenses.

Appeal and prison outburst

Immediately after the verdict, defense lawyers Petar Sekulic and Ellen Holager Andenæs announced their client would appeal.

“He is very pleased with what we consider quite numerous acquittals, but he is convinced he is clearly innocent of the rape charges.”

The lawyers added that Høiby believes he did not mistreat Haukland and is "absolutely certain that an appeal must be filed." A new trial could begin in 2027.

Separately, a request to release Høiby from custody so he could be with his mother, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and is on a lung transplant waiting list, was rejected on Monday evening. Earlier, he had broken his right hand after slamming it against a cabinet in his cell when a previous release appeal was denied. According to a prison report, he was "angry and agitated" and refused to speak with guards for some time; he was taken to an emergency room.

Evidence and the road to trial

Høiby was first arrested on 4 August 2024 after a violent episode at his girlfriend's apartment in Oslo. Police later found videos on his phones and computers that became key evidence; one case concerned intercourse with a partner while she slept. He admitted to some charges, including the drug transport and bodily harm, but denied any rape. The trial, which started in February 2026, drew intense national and international media focus.

Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo said the verdict showed that the law applies equally.

“You don't get away with it just because you are related to someone from the royal family.”

Shadow over the monarchy

Although Høiby is not an official member of the royal house, having been born from Mette-Marit's relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, the case has cast a long shadow. The royal family stayed out of the proceedings but issued statements expressing solidarity with the victims. The monarchy has already been shaken by recent scandals, including Mette-Marit's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and has seen a decline in public support. Amid the drama, the palace said it would suspend regular updates on Mette-Marit's health.