Bangkok: The son of the Crown Prince of Norway has been sentenced to four years in prison. A Norwegian court has sentenced Marius Borg H¸yby, 29, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, to four years in prison for two counts of rape.

According to Thai News Agency, a three-judge panel at the Oslo District Court delivered the verdict after prosecutors had initially sought a sentence of seven years and seven months. The defense had hoped for an acquittal on the rape charges and proposed a maximum of 18 months imprisonment for other admitted offenses. The defense has announced plans to appeal the decision.

In addition to the rape charges, H¸yby was convicted of domestic violence, intimidation, and drug-related offenses, including the smuggling of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana in 2020. He faced charges of raping four women, but the court acquitted him of two counts due to insufficient evidence. The incidents date from 2018-2024, occurring after social gatherings where the victims were incapacitated.

One of the incidents for which H¸yby was found guilty took place at the Crown Prince's official residence. The case began with his arrest in August 2024 for assaulting his girlfriend. Evidence from his personal devices revealed recordings of abuse, which were instrumental in the court's decision.

H¸yby, the son of Princess Mette-Marit and a former partner, does not hold a royal title and has no official role in the monarchy. Crown Prince Haakon has stated that H¸yby is subject to the same legal standards as any other citizen.

The case has further tarnished the reputation of the Norwegian monarchy, which had already suffered due to Princess Mette-Marit's past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Public opinion polls reflect a decline in the monarchy's popularity.