Norwegian heir’s stepbrother jailed for rape in scandal shaking royal family

Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Norway’s future king, has been convicted of two counts of rape by an Oslo court and sentenced to four years in prison. One of the assaults allegedly took place in the basement of Crown Prince Haakon’s residence. The case has sent shockwaves through Norway’s royal family and significantly damaged the monarchy’s public standing in the Scandinavian nation.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship. The trial has proved deeply damaging for the Norwegian royals at a time when the family was already facing scrutiny over the crown princess’s past connections. Mette-Marit has since apologised for her historical links to Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier convicted of sex trafficking before his death in prison.

Compounding the family’s difficulties, Mette-Marit’s health has reportedly deteriorated significantly. According to reports, the crown princess faces a grave prognosis, with sources suggesting she has approximately one year to live unless she receives a lung transplant. The revelations have intensified public concern about the future stability of the Norwegian monarchy during what is already a turbulent period for the institution.

The conviction marks one of the most serious legal challenges involving a member of Norway’s royal circle in recent memory. The case has prompted widespread debate in Norway about accountability, privilege, and whether members of the royal family receive different treatment under the law.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.