Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, received a four-year prison term Monday following his conviction on rape charges. The 29-year-old was found guilty of two of four rape allegations and acquitted of the remaining two, while also being convicted of assault and abuse within intimate relationships. In addition to imprisonment, he must pay compensation to his victims.

Høiby faced allegations of sexually assaulting four women who were either sleeping or unable to resist between 2018 and 2024. The prosecution presented 40 criminal charges spanning serious offenses and lesser infractions including drug-related violations and breaches of a restraining order. Although he contested the rape allegations, he acknowledged responsibility for several lesser transgressions.

Prosecutors had sought seven years and seven months imprisonment, whereas the defense team sought acquittal on rape charges and a maximum 18-month term for admitted offenses. The verdict was delivered through video link from prison due to Høiby's reported health concerns, as he declined to attend court proceedings.

The high-profile trial, which wrapped up in March after six weeks of hearings, examined testimony from multiple accusers alongside digital evidence including communications, photographs and videos extracted from Høiby's mobile device. His connection to Norway's royal lineage has drawn substantial global media coverage.

Although possessing no formal royal position or ceremonial responsibilities, Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. He was raised within the royal household. Recent legal disputes centered on whether temporary release should be granted while awaiting sentencing, but appeal courts maintained he remain in custody pending judgment.

The case has intensified scrutiny on the royal household, particularly following disclosures concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit's previous interactions with deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The crown princess, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and is on the lung transplant waiting list, has publicly expressed regret for sustaining contact with Epstein and acknowledged poor judgment, while denying any culpable conduct.