Key Facts
• Marius Borg Høiby, 29, eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stands trial.
• He was born in January 1997 before Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon; no succession rights.
• Nicknamed “Little Marius” in childhood, widely beloved by the public.
• In 2004, seen proudly walking with hands in pockets after birth of royal niece/nephew.
• In 2017, at age 20, he declared desire to live as a private citizen and withdrew from public life.
• Arrested in August 2024 for assaulting a former partner; multiple subsequent arrests followed.
• On February 3, 2026, charged with 38 offenses including sexual assault, domestic violence, and marijuana distribution.
• Defense states he is not in good condition despite long preparation for trial.
• Media reports note physical trembling and clenched hands during short recesses.
• Denies major charges but admits to minor offenses like speeding and unlicensed driving.
• Trial expected to continue until around March 19, 2026.
Summary
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is at the center of a high-profile criminal trial. Born before his mother’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, he holds no royal succession rights but was affectionately known as “Little Marius” during his childhood. After stepping away from public life in 2017 to live privately, Høiby was arrested in August 2024 on assault charges involving a former partner. The trial, which began in early February 2026, involves 38 charges including sexual assault, domestic violence, and marijuana distribution. Despite his defense team’s concerns about his health, Høiby denies the major allegations while admitting to lesser offenses such as speeding and driving without a license. The case has drawn worldwide attention and is expected to continue until mid-March 2026, highlighting a dramatic fall from grace for a figure once cherished by the Norwegian public.
