-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with a series of serious offenses, including three counts of rape, multiple sexual assaults, and bodily harm.
The charges stem from a 10-month investigation carried out by Oslo police, who have now handed the case over to public prosecutors for further legal action.
Hoiby, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and the eldest child of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was arrested three times in 2024, in August, September, and November. His name has now become central to one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in recent Norwegian history.
Serious Charges After Long Investigation
According to Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski, Hoiby is suspected of 23 criminal offenses. These include one charge of rape involving intercourse, two other cases of rape, four cases of sexual assault, and two instances of bodily harm. Other charges include sexually offensive behavior, abuse in a close relationship, and destruction of property.
Kruszewski noted that Hoiby had been cooperative throughout the police questioning and that evidence had been collected from text messages, witness statements, and search operations. While some cases involving sexual offenses were dismissed due to the statute of limitations or lack of evidence, authorities confirmed that the number of potential victims was in the double digits.
Hoiby’s Response and Legal Defence
In a statement via his attorney, Petar Sekulic, Hoiby said he is “taking the accusations very seriously” but denies wrongdoing in most of the cases, particularly the charges related to sexual violence. Following his arrest in August 2024, Høiby admitted to “bodily harm and damaging property” while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.
Høiby, who once lived with the Crown Prince and Princess and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, now resides in a separate home nearby. His relationship with the royal family, while close, does not grant him royal status or titles.
Royal Family Reacts
The Royal House of Norway issued a brief statement acknowledging the seriousness of the case but refused to comment further: “The case is proceeding through the legal system and follows normal procedures. We have nothing further to add.”