Marius Borg Høiby (born 13 January 1997)[3] is a relative of the Norwegian royal family, who is accused of being a serial sex offender and charged with violence, abuse and raping several women.

[5][6] While his father was still in prison, he received widespread media attention as the first step-child in the history of the Norwegian royal family and was widely nicknamed "Little Marius" after a somewhat tragic literary character.

They shared a social housing apartment provided by welfare services in a working-class neighborhood in Lillestrøm, until a breakup occurred after Ognby chased Mette-Marit down the street with a knife around the time she became pregnant with Marius.

Høiby had resided in a lower working class environment outside Oslo where several of her acquaintances and family members, including her child's father, had served time in prison.

[22] After her son was born, she relocated to her childhood home of Kristiansand, where Marius Høiby was raised by his mother and her then-partner, a local disc jockey, until the couple split in early 1999.

The fact that Mette-Marit was a single mother and the circumstances surrounding this, including the background of the child's father as a convicted felon, were considered controversial.

She expressed concern about how things would turn out for Marius, now that the Crown Princess was pregnant with Ingrid Alexandra, the nation's future queen: 'I feel terribly sorry for her son.

[32] As of 2024, the royal family's website included his half-siblings Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and made no mention of Høiby being part of the household.

[33] His maternal grandfather, Sven O. Høiby, frequently spoke publicly about "little Marius" during his childhood, expressing that he believed his grandson should be given the title of Prince to avoid feeling second-class and becoming a target of bullying.

[22] Despite the absence of any formal roles or titles, Høiby has attended several royal events as a guest, including official state visits, dinners and Constitution Day celebrations.

[34] Høiby was pictured alongside individuals with criminal records and a controversial alt-right blogger with a history of defending rape, sparking significant public and media backlash.

[35][36] In adulthood, media reports regarding Høiby became more common, earning him a reputation in Norway as entitled and spoiled due to several minor scandals and controversies surrounding him.

[75][76] Earlier on 25 September, the chief editor of Se og Hør said that Høiby should be forced to move from the royal residence at Skaugum.

[79] Other reactions to the alleged crimes of 2024, include - after the first arrest - royal commentator Johan T. Lindwall describing Høiby's behavior as a "catastrophe" for the monarchy.

"[81] Ten days after his arrest in August, Høiby released a statement admitting to his crimes and apologizing to the victim, adding that the incidents had taken place in a "haze of alcohol and cocaine" and stating that he has "several mental disorders.

"[82] On 19 November, it was announced that Høiby was also charged with one count of "abuse in close relationships," violating a restraining order, and driving without a valid driver's license.

[91] Jan Bøhler wrote that "a member of the royal family has for years vacationed and partied with central figures in drug-related crime.

[9][96] During 2023 and 2024, several outlets reported Høiby posting videos and images to social media showing him speeding and recklessly driving,[97] engaging in heavy partying and other offences, with Dagbladet describing his circuit of friends being one of "wealthy heirs, reality stars and influencers, mixed in with seasoned criminals and drug offenders".