Stepson of Norway Crown Prince Convicted in Rape and Domestic Violence Case

A Norstat survey released on February 21 during the trial recorded a drop in support for retaining the monarchy to a historic low of 60 percent, down from 70 percent the previous month.

A Norwegian flag flutters over a building in Oslo, Norway May 31, 2017.

(photo credit: REUTERS/INTS KALNINS)

ByREUTERS

JUNE 15, 2026 09:45

Updated: JUNE 15, 2026 09:58

An Oslo court on Monday convicted the stepson of Norway Crown Prince Haakon on two counts of rape plus additional offenses and imposed a four-year prison term.

Marius Borg Hoiby, age 29, entered the royal family after his mother Mette-Marit wed Haakon in 2001. He denied the gravest charges including rape yet conceded some lesser counts. The ruling remains subject to appeal.

The seven-week trial riveted national attention with testimony on Hoiby's substance issues, self-recorded intimate videos and more than 800 digital messages presented as evidence. One assault occurred in the basement of the crown prince residence, according to court records.

Royal popularity suffers from the proceedings

Associate professor Ketil Raknes of Kristiania University of Applied Sciences noted that the stark contrast between the polished royal image and the allegations amplified public fascination.

Combined with prior controversies, the case has accelerated a slide in support for the monarchy.

The trial overlapped with Crown Princess Mette-Marit's expression of regret over continued ties to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction.

The February 21 Norstat poll captured backing for the monarchy at a record low of 60 percent, down from 70 percent in January, while preference for an alternative system of government rose to 27 percent from 19 percent.

By May, Norstat found modest recovery with 64 percent favoring the monarchy and 23 percent preferring change.

Raknes described the episode as an especially difficult crisis because two separate issues struck simultaneously and drew heavy criticism over handling of the Epstein disclosures.

Mother faces worsening health during verdict period

The decision arrives as Mette-Marit confronts serious personal challenges after being added this month to the national lung transplant waiting list due to sharp health decline.

She has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis that progressively impairs breathing. Doctors estimate roughly one year of life remains without a transplant.

Raknes observed that these circumstances are softening public reactions ahead of the verdict.

Coverage has grown more measured as observers recognize a family under strain and judge this an unsuitable moment for strong moral judgments.