Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to stand trial in February 2026, marking the first time someone closely associated with the Norwegian royal family faces criminal charges. He has been accused of a total of 38 offenses, including four counts of rape against different women, as well as further allegations of threats and violence in domestic relationships. The charges highlight serious allegations that potentially tarnish the reputation of the royal family in Norway.

The prosecution asserts that the alleged rapes occurred between 2018 and 2024, with claims that the victims were incapacitated or asleep during the incidents. Additionally, the prosecutors, led by Sturla Henriksbø, allege that Høiby filmed women's genitals without their consent, which adds another layer of severity to the charges against him. While he admits to certain lesser offenses, such as traffic and drug-related crimes, he flatly denies the allegations of rape and domestic violence, suggesting a contentious legal battle ahead.

Given the high-profile nature of this case due to Høiby's royal connections, it is poised to attract significant media attention, potentially impacting public perception of both the accused and the royal family. The outcome of this trial could have ramifications for royal norms and expectations in Norway, especially regarding accountability and the behavior of those closely linked to the monarchy.