Marius Borg Høiby Admits to Drug Transport Amid Serious Charges

The Norwegian royal family concluded 2025 facing significant personal challenges, and 2026 has brought no relief. Princess Mette-Marit's chronic fibrosis has worsened, potentially requiring a lung transplant, adding strain to the monarchy.

Compounding these difficulties, her eldest son Marius Borg Høiby now faces additional legal complications. Just weeks before his scheduled trial for multiple serious charges, the 29-year-old has confessed to transporting several kilograms of marijuana.

This admission adds a new dimension to an already complex legal situation that has captured national attention and raised questions about the royal family's public standing.

The Oslo District Court is preparing for a high-profile trial scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026. Marius Borg Høiby will face charges including four counts of sexual violation and 28 additional criminal counts.

According to court documents, the defendant has now admitted to transporting several kilograms of marijuana. This confession was made public approximately two weeks before the trial's commencement, adding a new layer to the prosecution's case.

The timing of this admission is particularly significant, as it comes during the final preparations for what was already expected to be a complex legal proceeding. The marijuana transport charge represents a separate criminal offense that will likely be incorporated into the broader case.

Key legal developments include:

• Four counts of sexual violation charges
• Twenty-eight additional criminal charges
• Recent confession to marijuana transportation
• February 3rd trial date in Oslo

The legal proceedings occur against the backdrop of significant personal challenges for the Norwegian monarchy. Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon and will become queen, has been managing worsening chronic fibrosis.

Her medical condition has reportedly deteriorated to the point where medical professionals have discussed the possibility of a lung transplant. This health crisis has been ongoing since late 2025 and continues to affect the royal family's public duties and personal lives.

Marius Borg Høiby is the princess's son from a previous relationship. While not in the direct line of succession to the throne, his position as a member of the extended royal family has drawn significant media attention to his legal troubles.

The combination of the princess's health issues and her son's legal challenges presents the Norwegian monarchy with its most significant public relations challenge in recent years.

The prosecution's case against Marius Borg Høiby encompasses multiple criminal allegations that extend beyond the newly admitted marijuana transport. The four sexual violation charges represent the most serious accusations in the indictment.

In addition to these primary charges, the defendant faces 28 other criminal counts. The exact nature of these additional charges has not been fully disclosed in public documents, though they contribute to what prosecutors describe as a pattern of criminal behavior.

The marijuana transport confession adds a drug-related dimension to the case. Transporting several kilograms of marijuana constitutes a serious offense under Norwegian law, carrying potential prison sentences.

Charges Breakdown:

• Four sexual violation charges (most serious)
• Twenty-eight additional criminal counts
• Marijuana transport (newly admitted)
• All charges to be addressed in single trial

The court proceedings are expected to be extensive, given the number of charges and the complexity of the evidence. The trial will take place in Oslo, Norway's capital, and will be closely monitored by national and international media.

The case has generated significant public interest in Norway, where the royal family traditionally enjoys high approval ratings. The combination of Princess Mette-Marit's health struggles and her son's legal troubles represents an unusual challenge to the monarchy's public image.

Norwegian media have covered the developments extensively, though the royal family has maintained a policy of not commenting on ongoing legal matters. This approach reflects standard practice for European royal families facing personal challenges.

The timing of the trial, so early in 2026, means the proceedings will likely unfold during the same period when the princess's health situation remains uncertain. This convergence of personal and legal challenges creates a complex narrative for the royal household to manage.

Legal experts note that the confession to marijuana transport could influence the broader case, potentially affecting plea negotiations or sentencing considerations if other charges result in convictions.

The February 3rd trial date now approaches with heightened anticipation following the recent confession. The court proceedings will determine the legal consequences for Marius Borg Høiby while potentially reshaping public perception of the Norwegian royal family.

For the royal household, the situation represents a multifaceted challenge requiring careful navigation of both personal health concerns and legal matters. The outcome of the trial will likely influence how the family manages its public role in the coming years.

The case also highlights the intersection of personal privacy and public accountability for members of royal families. While not in direct line for the throne, Marius Borg Høiby's actions have drawn attention that extends beyond typical criminal proceedings.

As the trial date approaches, Norway watches closely, aware that the proceedings will have lasting implications for both the legal system and the monarchy's standing.