Prosecutors seek more than seven years in prison for Marius Borg Høiby if convicted of rape. The eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces this penalty after a trial ending earlier this month. He denies all charges, including 39 counts of aggravated sexual assault. His defense argues he did not know the victim could not consent due to intoxication. The Oslo District Court will deliver its ruling this week.
Court prepares for Marius Borg Høiby verdict
The Oslo District Court will announce its verdict this week in the rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby. Høiby is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, the AP reported[1]. He faces charges of aggravated rape alongside 39 other counts. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before proceedings concluded last month.
The trial ended on March 4, 2026, after hearing testimony on four counts of rape, Wikipedia noted[2]. Prosecutors allege Høiby committed sexual acts against a woman too intoxicated to consent. Høiby will appear via video link when the judge delivers the ruling, court records show[2].
Legal experts say the case drew intense scrutiny because of his family ties. This decision follows a rejected appeal regarding his pre-sentencing detention conditions, Town & Country reported[4].
Prosecution seeks prison time for defendant
Norwegian prosecutors are asking for a prison term of more than seven years if Marius Borg Høiby is convicted, the Associated Press reported[1]. This request contrasts with the defense team's call for an acquittal on rape charges and a maximum 18-month sentence for other offenses. The prosecution presented text messages and witness testimony to build their case regarding the night of the alleged assault.
Authorities stated the victim was heavily intoxicated and unable to give consent when the incident occurred. Witnesses testified that Høiby continued sexual contact after the woman lost consciousness or became unresponsive. Prosecutors argued that the defendant took advantage of the victim's vulnerable state during these moments.
Høiby will appear via video link for the verdict announcement, Wikipedia noted[2].
Defense argues lack of consent knowledge
Defense lawyers argued that Høiby did not know the woman could not consent due to her intoxication. They claimed their client believed the interaction was consensual throughout the encounter, the AP reported[1]. Attorneys questioned the reliability of the victim's memory given her state on the night in question. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the timeline provided by the prosecution's witnesses. No physical evidence was presented to definitively prove force was used against the victim's will. Defense lawyers have called for Høiby's acquittal on rape charges and a sentence of no more than 18 months for other offenses, according to court filings[1].
Legal experts say the outcome will shape how Norwegians view the monarchy's connection to the accused.
