Norway’s Future Queen Speaks on Brother’s Rape and Abuse Case: ‘It’s Been Difficult for All of Us’

Oslo, November 4 Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, the future queen and eldest daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has publicly spoken for the first time about the rape and abuse allegations against her half brother, Marius Borg Høiby. The 21-year-old princess broke her silence in an interview with the Norwegian news outlet NRK, published on November 2. The case has deeply shaken the Norwegian royal family, marking one of the most serious scandals involving a member of the extended royal circle. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is currently studying at the University of Sydney in Australia, said the accusations have been hard on her and her family. “Of course it’s difficult. For those of us who are around, for me as a sister, and for mom and dad. And of course for everyone affected by the case,” she said in the interview. When asked how she has been coping while living away from home, the princess chose not to elaborate further, saying quietly, “Yes, it is... I don’t know if I want to go into it much more than that.” The controversy began earlier this year when Marius Borg Høiby, 28, was charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, and assault. The charges were filed on August 18, 2024, by the Norwegian state attorney general. According to reports by AFP, the victims include four women, among them an ex-girlfriend. Høiby was arrested on August 4, 2024, after allegedly assaulting a woman. He later admitted to acts of violence in that case but denied all other charges, his lawyers said. Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon. He has largely stayed out of official royal duties and is not in line to the Norwegian throne. However, his close ties to the royal family have made the case a matter of public and media interest in Norway. Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s remarks are being seen as an effort to acknowledge the strain the case has placed on the royal family while maintaining respect for due legal process. The young royal, known for her poise and reserved public image, has largely avoided commenting on personal family matters in the past. Her statement marks the first time a member of Norway’s royal family has spoken about the allegations since they were made public. The Norwegian Palace has not issued an official comment on the case, maintaining that it is a personal matter for Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son and not directly related to the royal household’s official duties. The case continues to unfold in Norwegian courts, drawing widespread public attention. Meanwhile, Princess Ingrid Alexandra has expressed her desire to focus on her studies and prepare for her future role as Norway’s monarch, even as her family faces one of its most challenging moments. Norway’s Future Queen Breaks Silence on Brother’s Rape Case: “It’s Been Difficult for All of Us” For the first time, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, the future queen, has spoken about the serious rape and abuse allegations against her half-brother, Marius Borg Høiby. In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the 21-year-old princess said the situation has been painful for her entire family. “Of course it’s difficult. For those of us who are around, for me as a sister, and for mom and dad. And of course for everyone affected by the case,” she said softly. Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was charged with four counts of rape and 28 other offences, including assault and domestic violence, in August this year. He has admitted to some acts of violence but denied the rape charges. Princess Ingrid, who is studying at the University of Sydney, kept her comments brief, saying she didn’t wish to speak further about the matter. The case has shocked Norway and placed the royal family under rare public scrutiny. Still, the young princess’s calm words show empathy and quiet strength during a difficult time.