Norway’s royal family is under renewed scrutiny as a major legal case involving Marius Borg Høiby, Crown Prince Haakon’s stepson, moves to appeal. On 15 June 2026, the Oslo District Court sentenced Høiby to four years in prison. The first-instance judgment covered two rape charges, abuse in a close relationship and other offences, including violence, threats, drug-related offences, harassment, restraining-order violations and traffic offences.
The court acquitted Høiby on two other rape charges. The case formed part of a broader indictment reported to include roughly 40 counts; the first-instance judgment resulted in convictions on 34 offences. The allegations included conduct involving former partners, among them Nora Haukland. Høiby has denied the rape and abuse allegations, while acknowledging or not contesting some other offences, information from coverage of the appeal.
The judgment is not final: both the defence and prosecution appealed. The prosecution argued that the four-year sentence was too lenient given the seriousness and breadth of the offences. The appeal is expected to revisit the rape convictions and the finding of abuse in a close relationship. Norwegian legal reporting described the appellate panel as comprising two professional judges and five lay judges. It may uphold, reduce or increase the sentence.
The case has kept questions about the royal family’s public role and reputation in the spotlight. Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and is not a member of the royal house. His family connection has drawn broad attention to the legal proceedings, while the appeal leaves the outcome subject to further judicial review.
