Norway: Prosecutors seek 7-year term for crown princess' son
March 18, 2026
Norwegian prosecutors on Wednesday called for a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, for alleged offenses including the alleged rape of four women.
The seven-week trial in Oslo, involving the stepson of the next-in-line to the throne, has gripped Norway and is due to end on Thursday.
What did the court hear about Marius Borg Hoiby?
The prosecution made the request in court, with prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo telling the court that Hoiby, who is Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, should be treated like any other citizen.
"Rape can leave lasting scars and destroy lives," Henriksbo argued. "It can be something the victim carries with them for their entire life."
She portrayed the accused as a person "who thinks he can do whatever he wants," but added: "Marius Borg Hoiby is not a monster. None of us are. We're all human beings, with good and bad sides. He should not be judged for who he is, but for what he's done."
The prosecution argued the victims' accounts were more credible than Hoiby's, noting he often said during the six-week trial that he could not clearly remember events.
The defendant denies the most serious allegations, including rape, though he has admitted to some lesser offenses.
What is Marius Borg Hoiby accused of?
The 29-year-old Hoiby faces 40 charges, including four counts of rape, with prosecutors alleging some victims were asleep or unconscious during the incidents.
He is also accused of multiple cases of domestic violence against former partners, along with other offenses that include reckless driving and drug-related crimes.
Prosecutors said they want convictions on 39 of the 40 counts, seeking acquittal on one alleged breach of a contract ban described as accidental.
Hoiby has already spent 63 days in pretrial detention, which prosecutors said should be deducted from any sentence. They also requested a two-year restraining order against a former partner.
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 16 years in prison if found guilty.
The case has unfolded alongside renewed scrutiny of the crown princess over her past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mette-Marit has apologized for "poor judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.
Edited by: Sean Sinico