Norwegian Royal Son Confronts Additional Serious Charges Ahead of Major Court Case
The son of Norway's Crown Princess is confronting a significant escalation in his legal troubles, with fresh criminal charges being filed against him mere days before his high-profile trial is scheduled to commence. Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, now faces an expanded list of allegations that adds considerable complexity to an already serious case.
Expanded Charges Include Drug Trafficking Allegations
Prosecutors have now added six new charges to the existing thirty-two counts against Høiby. The most substantial of these new allegations involves a serious drug trafficking incident said to have occurred in July 2020. According to the charges, Høiby allegedly received and transported at least 3.5 kilograms of marijuana across Norway, delivering the substantial quantity to another individual.
This drug trafficking charge represents a significant development in the case, adding a different dimension to the existing allegations that include rape, abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another individual, death threats, and numerous traffic violations.
Additional Legal Violations Compound Existing Troubles
Beyond the drug trafficking allegation, the new charges include two alleged violations of a restraining order and three additional offences under Norway's Traffic Act. These fresh accusations arrive at a particularly sensitive time, with Høiby's trial set to begin in Oslo on February 3 and expected to continue until mid-March.
The timing of these new charges creates additional pressure on both the defence and prosecution teams as they prepare for what promises to be a lengthy and complex legal proceeding. The cumulative weight of all charges now paints a picture of multiple alleged criminal activities spanning different areas of Norwegian law.
Royal Family Breaks Silence on Personal Impact
In a rare departure from their usual discretion, members of the Norwegian Royal Family have recently spoken candidly about how these serious allegations have affected their family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Høiby's mother, explained her emotional response to the accusations against her son while firmly rejecting claims that she had tipped him off about his impending arrest with a phone call.
"I think it's been quite a strain to be accused of such serious things, which of course I did not do," Mette-Marit told The Times. "The thing that perhaps upsets me the most is being criticised for how we've handled it as parents, that we didn't take it seriously. I find that hard."
The Crown Princess revealed that the family had sought professional help for her son and expressed frustration at suggestions they hadn't taken the situation seriously. "Being a parent is the most vulnerable thing you can do," she added. "And I think all parents... will recognise that there is an incredible amount of self-blame involved."
Royal Stance on Legal Process and Public Scrutiny
Mette-Marit, who is set to become Norway's future queen, explained her decision to speak publicly after what she described as intense scrutiny and the severity of claims against her eldest son. "Our view has always been that this matter must be dealt with in the legal system. That is where it belongs," she stated firmly.
"We don't wish to comment on the case itself or on private matters until the legal system has dealt with it," the Crown Princess continued. "We can comment on it later, if it is natural for us to do so... I don't think that gives people the right to make all sorts of untrue claims for that reason."
King Harald, Høiby's step-grandfather, also commented on the situation, acknowledging the difficulty while emphasising the Royal Family's intention to proceed with normal activities. "I'd like to say that we feel for all those who are affected," the monarch said. "We feel for them and hope they will be OK and get better after the trial."
Serious Legal Consequences and Equal Treatment Under Law
When Høiby was formally charged in August 2025, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø emphasised the gravity of the case, stating plainly: "This case is very serious." He added the important clarification that Høiby's royal connections should not result in any special treatment or leniency under Norwegian law.
The legal stakes are substantial for the 29-year-old, who could potentially face up to ten years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges. This prospect adds considerable weight to the upcoming trial, which will unfold under intense public and media scrutiny given the defendant's prominent family connections.
As the February trial date approaches, these new charges have added further complexity to an already substantial legal case, ensuring that proceedings will be closely watched both within Norway and internationally. The combination of serious criminal allegations with royal family connections creates a unique and challenging situation for Norway's judicial system as it prepares to adjudicate this high-profile matter.
