OSLO — Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with 32 offenses, including four counts of rape. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø announced the charges on Monday, stating that Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Høiby has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4, 2024, following allegations of assault against a former girlfriend. He is accused of raping four women while they were asleep. In at least three of these cases, he allegedly had consensual sex with the women earlier on the same day. The prosecutor indicated that investigators have video clips and photographs as evidence of Høiby filming the women’s genitals without their consent.

The alleged rapes occurred in 2018, 2023, and 2024, with the last incident reported after the police investigation had begun. Additional charges against Høiby include domestic abuse against a former partner, multiple counts of violence, disturbing the peace, vandalism, and violations of restraining orders.

The only victim identified by the prosecution is Høiby’s ex-girlfriend, Nora Haukland. She has accused him of physical and psychological abuse between 2022 and 2023. The prosecutor described the violence as including repeated punches to her face, choking, and kicking.

“These are very serious acts that can leave lasting scars and destroy lives,” Henriksbø said. He emphasized that Høiby, as a member of the royal family, would not receive preferential treatment in the legal process.

Høiby has already admitted to charges of assault and vandalism related to the August incident. In a public statement following his arrest, he attributed his actions to being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine during an argument, and he acknowledged struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

The royal palace has refrained from commenting on the case, stating that it is up to the courts to handle the matter. Høiby was released from custody after spending a week in jail, a rare occurrence for a member of the royal family. Following his release, he reportedly entered rehabilitation in London.

Høiby was born from a previous relationship between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Morten Borg, who has a history of abuse and drug-related offenses. He gained public attention at a young age when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon, with whom she has two other children. Unlike his siblings, Høiby does not hold a royal title or perform official duties.

Sigrid Hvidsten, a royal commentator, noted that Høiby has lived in a complex situation, being raised in the royal household but not officially part of it. She described his life as a “gilded cage,” suggesting that he has faced challenges due to his unique position.

In recent years, Høiby has been linked to various controversies, including associations with gang members and criminal elements in Oslo. He was previously arrested in 2017 for drug use at a music festival.