Norway's royal household has been shaken with a stunning scandal after Marius Borg Hiby, the child of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship, was officially charged with 32 criminal charges, four rapes, and numerous assaults. The charge, released Monday by Norwegian prosecutors, comes after a 10-month police probe.

Hoiby was detained three times in 2024: August, September, and November. He was arrested on individual incidents that led to a mass investigation. Police lawyer Andreas Kruszewski confirmed that the case has now been passed on to prosecutors, who will determine if it goes to trial.

Prosecutors say Hoiby faces charges of rape, domestic violence, assault, destruction of property, harassment, and multiple counts of violating restraining orders. He is also charged with inappropriately videotaping the genitalia of a number of women without their permission.

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Hoiby's attorney, Petar Sekulic, said his client is "taking the allegations very seriously," but rejects most of the accusations, including those of sexual abuse and violence. Sekulic further said a large number of allegations initially raised were withdrawn, observing, "The number of victims was in the double digits during the investigation, but now down to seven.

Hoiby has also admitted to a few acts of assault and violence linked to his August 2024 arrest, attributing his behaviour to a heated argument compounded by heavy alcohol and cocaine use. In a statement issued shortly after that arrest, Høiby acknowledged struggling with mental health challenges and long-term substance abuse problems.

A Royal Connection

Hoiby's entry into public life occurred when his mother, Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby, wedded Crown Prince Haakon of Norway in 2001. Even though Hoiby was not part of the royal succession line, he spent most of his childhood in close ty to the royal family with his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Haakon Sverre Magnus.

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He has resided separately in his own house. Public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo asserted that the case entails serious criminal charges with possible long prison sentences if Høiby is convicted. Prosecutors now have the last word on proceeding with a trial.