Norwegian Prince Marius Borg Høiby Charged with Four Rape Counts

BREAKING: Norwegian royal prince Marius Borg Høiby, aged 28, has been charged with four counts of rape following a lengthy police investigation. The charges were announced in court on Monday, January 8, 2024, amid shocking allegations spanning over a year.

Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to heir Prince Haakon, faces a total of 32 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm. These serious allegations include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm. Authorities report that in all instances, the assaults occurred while the women were sleeping.

Presenting the indictment, State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø stated, “This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are actions that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.” The disgraced prince could face up to ten years in prison if convicted in the upcoming six-week trial set to begin in January 2024.

Høiby was arrested multiple times throughout 2023 as the investigation unfolded, with initial charges related to rape, violence, and criminal damage. Investigators have gathered extensive evidence, including text messages, witness statements, and police search findings.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Høiby has reportedly cooperated with police during questioning. His legal representative, Petar Sekulic, asserts that while Høiby takes the accusations seriously, he does not acknowledge wrongdoing in most cases, particularly regarding sexual abuse and violence.

The latest charges come in the wake of disturbing claims, including an alleged fifth rape occurring after Høiby was released from custody following a violent incident with an ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Helberg Arntsen. Notably, he is also accused of raping the unconscious TV star Linni Meister during a party at the royal estate in 2018.

This scandal erupted after Høiby’s initial arrest on August 4, 2023, related to an alleged assault that left Arntsen hospitalized. Following his arrest, he released a statement through his lawyer detailing his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, admitting to committing bodily harm during an intoxicated incident.

Since then, Høiby has reportedly sought treatment in rehab facilities in London and has been spotted in Copenhagen with a transformed appearance. He was arrested again in September 2023 for breaching a restraining order, and subsequently in November on new rape charges.

While in custody, Høiby was subjected to restrictions on visitor access due to concerns over potential evidence tampering. Investigators uncovered a troubling video in which he appears to make a slapping gesture while discussing a past relationship, a clip reportedly circulated among his circle.

As this case develops, it puts immense pressure on the Norwegian royal family, with King Harald V and Queen Sonja now facing scrutiny over the allegations against one of their own.

The public awaits further updates as this high-profile trial approaches, with implications that resonate far beyond the royal family. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this urgent and evolving story.