Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was sentenced to four years in prison on Monday following his conviction on multiple charges, including rape and assault. The 29-year-old, who is not a formal member of the royal family and holds no royal title, was found guilty of two counts of rape and acquitted of two others. In addition to the sexual offenses, he was convicted of assault and abuse in close relationships, as well as various lesser offenses such as drug-related crimes, traffic violations, and breaching restraining orders.

The trial, held in Oslo and concluding in March after six weeks, involved testimony from several accusers and extensive evidence, including messages, images, and videos recovered from Høiby’s cellphone. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months, while his defense argued for acquittal on the rape charges and a maximum penalty of 18 months for admitted lesser offenses. Following the verdict, Høiby was also ordered to pay compensation totaling over 640,000 Norwegian kroner to his victims.

Some of the most serious offenses involved rapes occurring between 2018 and 2024. One incident took place during an afterparty at Skaugum, the royal residence of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, and another at a party in Oslo. In both cases, the victims were found unconscious, and the assaults were reportedly filmed. The court also found Høiby guilty of damaging the apartment of an ex-girlfriend, Nora Haukland, a model and influencer, during a violent outburst.

Høiby has admitted to transporting marijuana, speeding offenses, and partial guilt for assault and reckless behavior, but he denies the principal rape and domestic violence charges. His lawyers have announced plans to appeal the convictions they dispute.

The case has drawn significant public and international attention due to Høiby’s connection to the Norwegian royal family. Though he was born from a relationship Mette-Marit had before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, Høiby grew up in the household of the future king. His actions and trial have weighed heavily on the reputation of a monarchy that remains generally popular but has faced increased scrutiny and criticism in recent months.

The royal family has largely refrained from commenting on the trial’s outcome. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease that has led to her requiring oxygen support and recently being placed on a lung transplant waiting list. Her health deterioration and the ongoing legal proceedings involving her son have compounded what some describe as a challenging period for the monarchy.

Public opinion has been affected by the scandal, with polls showing a decline in support for the monarchy. Some Norwegians have expressed increased support for republicanism, and surveys suggest that a significant minority favor abolishing the monarchy altogether.

Høiby’s bid for temporary release from custody while awaiting the verdict was denied by the courts, and his lawyers have requested his release pending appeal. The Norwegian royal household issued a brief statement noting that the matter has been addressed by the courts and that they have no comment on the verdict.