Princess's son's 'links to drug gang' exposed as court date for rape charges looms

A top European royal has found himself embroiled in an alleged drugs scandal. 

Marius Borg Høiby is facing further controversy as his court date for 32 counts, including four charges of rape, approaches. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon has lost his legal case against the publishers of a controversial book claiming that he is linked to some of Europe's "most notorious drug gangs."

Hvite striper, sorte får - which translates to White Stripes, Black Sheep - has sparked a storm in Norway ever since it was published on October 20. Released by Aschehoug Publishing House and written by two investigative journalists, the book makes explosive claims about "cocaine, drug gangs, and the Crown Princess's son."

One of the book's central claims focuses on allegations that Høiby sold drugs at Karl John's Gate in Oslo in 2023. Marius is now set to pay 530,500 kroner in legal costs. The court has ordered that this has to be paid in the next two weeks, in addition to his own legal fees.

As well as this latest legal battle, Marius has had his court dates confirmed for early next year. He was charged with 32 counts, including rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, and acts of violence against another, making death threats, and traffic violations.

Høiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping. He is currently free pending trial, and Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbo said there is currently no reason to arrest and jail him. The prosecutors’ office estimates that the trial could begin in mid-January and take around six weeks, Norway's state-owned public broadcaster NRK reported.

Henriksbo, said: "This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives. The fact that Marius Borg Høiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others."

There is reportedly evidence in the form of text messages, witness statements, and findings from police searches, investigators said.

The Norwegian Royal Family issued a statement to Norwegian media outlet NRK, which read: "The case is taking its course in the legal system, and follows normal procedures. We have nothing more to add."

However, Marius' stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, made a personal statement on the case back in 2024. He said: “Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job.

"As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help, and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.”