Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Addresses Stepson’s 32 Criminal Charges Including Rape

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has publicly addressed the criminal charges faced by his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, who has been charged with 32 offenses including four counts of rape, domestic violence, assault, and other crimes. Høiby, who is 28 years old and does not hold a royal title or position in the line of succession, denies the most serious charges but plans to plead guilty to lesser offenses. The trial is expected to begin in January 2026 and could last six weeks, with Høiby facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the most serious counts. Crown Prince Haakon emphasized that the royal family will continue to fulfill their duties despite the difficult situation and expressed that everyone involved likely finds the case challenging. The charges stem from alleged assaults occurring between 2018 and 2024, including incidents where victims were assaulted while sleeping and filmed. Høiby has been seeking professional help, and the royal family appears to be managing the situation while maintaining their public responsibilities.