Son of Norway’s Future Queen Faces Rape Trial After Second Woman Testifies in Oslo

Oslo, Norway — A second woman has testified in an Oslo court, accusing Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, of raping her while she was asleep—an allegation she described as her “worst nightmare.”

Høiby, 29, is facing 38 criminal charges, including four counts of rape and multiple assault allegations involving former partners. He has pleaded not guilty to the most serious accusations and could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted.

Alleged Incident After Private Party

According to prosecutors, the alleged rape occurred on October 8, 2023, following an after-party at a private apartment in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, where Høiby was staying during a surfing trip.

The woman told the court she had consensual sex with Høiby earlier in the night but later woke up to him engaging in sexual activity without her consent.

She testified that she closed her eyes during the incident, saying she felt disconnected from her body and unable to respond. She also said the experience caused physical pain, stating she was not conscious or prepared at the time.

Digital Evidence Presented in Court

Prosecutors submitted a five-second video recorded on Høiby’s phone, which they say shows the woman asleep during the encounter. Authorities also presented fitness-tracker data, arguing that changes in her heart rate support claims that she was not awake.

The woman told the court she was unaware she had been filmed, adding that the recording deepened her distress. Høiby has also been charged in connection with filming without consent.

Pattern of Allegations

The case follows testimony from another woman last week, who alleged that Høiby raped her during a separate after-party in December 2018 at a property associated with the royal family outside Oslo.

The defence has rejected all rape allegations, maintaining that the encounters were consensual.

High-Profile Case Under Public Scrutiny

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, Norway’s heir to the throne. He does not hold a royal title but remains a prominent public figure due to his family ties.

The trial continues amid heightened public attention in Norway, where cases involving sexual consent and accountability—especially those linked to powerful families—have drawn increasing scrutiny.