Norwegian Royal Marius Borg Høiby Convicted, ZDF Documentary Examines His Fall

Germany’s ZDF has released a documentary titled “Im Schatten der Krone – Skandale, Krisen, Jetset” that chronicles the rise and fall of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and step‑son of Crown Prince Haakon. The film, now available on ZDF’s streaming platform and scheduled to air on 25 August at 20:15, explores how a once‑loved royal child became a convicted offender.

Høiby was sentenced on Monday to four years in prison for two rape convictions among a total of 34 charges. His defence has announced plans to appeal the verdict. The documentary includes commentary from royal‑house expert Tove Taalesen, who recalled, “Dieser kleine Junge, so süß, immer gut gelaunt. Wir Norweger waren ganz verliebt.” She added that the Crown Princess and Prince made a “big mistake” by exposing the young Høiby to the public spotlight.

The program also details his turbulent personal life, citing hundreds of text messages and witness statements that reveal jealousy, violence, infidelity, wild parties and drug use, as well as intimate aspects of his sexual preferences and toxic relationships. The birth of his royal siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, is presented as a turning point that pushed Høiby into the background before his later misconduct.