Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son sentenced to four years in prison

Oslo District Court sentenced Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29‑year‑old son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, to four years’ imprisonment for two rapes, assault, threats and other offenses. The court ordered him to pay a total of 580 000 Norwegian kroner in compensation to four victims. Hoiby, who has no royal title, did not attend the hearing because of health problems and participated via video link. Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of over seven years, while his defence sought a term of 1½ years. The case involved roughly 40 charges spanning 2018‑2024, including sexual assaults, violence against a former partner, drug‑related offenses and traffic violations. The verdict follows earlier arrests in August 2024 for assault and property damage. The trial, one of Norway’s most high‑profile criminal proceedings in recent years, has intensified scrutiny of the royal family.

The sentencing highlighted the legal principle that any reasonable doubt must be interpreted in favor of the accused, and the court issued a two‑year restraining order against Hoiby concerning one of the victims. The scandal has sparked public debate about the royal family’s reputation and accountability.