Princess Ingrid Alexandra Breaks Silence as Half-Brother Marius Borg Høiby Faces 32 Charges Including Rape — “Of Course It’s Difficult for All of Us”
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, the poised and private 21-year-old who is second in line to the throne, has broken her silence for the first time about the criminal case engulfing her half-brother, Marius Borg Høiby. In a measured but emotional statement, the future queen called the situation “difficult for everyone,” acknowledging the pain it has caused within her family as her half-brother faces 32 criminal charges — including multiple counts of rape and violence — in one of the most serious royal-adjacent scandals in modern Norwegian history.
Ingrid Alexandra, who is currently studying at the University of Sydney, spoke briefly with Norwegian broadcaster NRK this week while overseas. Her tone was calm but weighted with emotion. “Of course it’s difficult. Both 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, choosing her words carefully. When asked if she planned to comment further, she softly added, “I don’t know if I want to go into it much more than that.”
The case against her half-brother, Marius Borg Høiby, has shocked Norway. Høiby, 28, is accused of committing numerous acts of violence and sexual assault against multiple women over several years. The indictment includes 32 separate charges, among them four counts of rape, threats, and abuse of public officials. Prosecutors allege that some of the incidents were captured on video. He has denied the charges.
If convicted, Høiby faces up to 10 years in prison. He was arrested in August 2024 following allegations of physical and psychological abuse, and formally indicted one year later in August 2025. His trial is expected to begin in early 2026 and could last more than a month. Norwegian prosecutors have described it as one of the largest criminal cases involving a public figure in years.
While Marius Borg Høiby is not a member of the Norwegian royal family in any official capacity, his ties to the monarchy run deep. He is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, making him Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s half-brother. Over the years, Høiby appeared alongside the royal family at official events and was seen in family portraits, but he has never held a royal title or performed formal duties.
That distinction, however, has not spared the royal family from public attention and pressure. The story has dominated Scandinavian media, casting a long shadow over the typically discreet and respected House of Glücksburg. For Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who has spent her young life balancing normalcy with duty, the ordeal represents her first experience with a deeply personal scandal reaching global headlines.
Norway’s Royal Court has issued limited statements about the situation. Officials have emphasized that the charges are part of a legal process and that the family will continue fulfilling their official obligations while allowing the courts to do their work. Crown Prince Haakon, Ingrid’s father, commented earlier this year that “it is a difficult time for everyone,” adding that the family’s focus is on supporting one another privately while respecting judicial independence.
Ingrid Alexandra’s public acknowledgment of the case marks a significant moment in her evolution from royal heir to independent public figure. Known for her composure and sense of duty, the princess has largely stayed out of controversy. Her words—though brief—reflect the emotional strain within the family while maintaining the dignity expected of a future monarch.
Ingrid Alexandra began her university studies in Australia in August 2025, enrolling in a bachelor’s program at the University of Sydney. The move was meant to give her a sense of independence and global experience before returning to royal duties in Norway. Her time abroad coincides with the most serious challenge her family has faced in decades.
The case against Høiby is being handled by Norwegian prosecutors under strict legal procedures. Reports indicate that four women are listed as victims in the case, and that the alleged crimes span several years. Authorities claim the incidents involved both physical violence and threats. Local newspapers have described the trial as one of the most closely watched in Norway’s modern history.
Despite the gravity of the charges, royal experts note that Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s statement was a calculated and human response — one that aligns with the Norwegian royal family’s longstanding emphasis on empathy and transparency. “She didn’t say much, but what she said matters,” commented Norwegian journalist Vibeke Brath. “She acknowledged the pain, showed restraint, and reminded the country that she is both a royal figure and a sister.”
Public reaction in Norway has been mixed but largely sympathetic toward the princess and her parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Many Norwegians view Ingrid Alexandra as a thoughtful young woman who represents a new generation of royals — one expected to blend tradition with authenticity. Her acknowledgment of personal hardship, some say, makes her more relatable in an age when monarchies face growing scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Marius Borg Høiby remains under investigation and is awaiting trial. His legal team has publicly stated that he denies all charges and intends to fight the allegations. Norwegian media report that the accused has cooperated with authorities but has struggled with mental health challenges since his arrest. The Norwegian press, typically restrained when it comes to royal coverage, has treated the case with unusual transparency, reflecting its seriousness.
For Ingrid Alexandra, the situation underscores the complexities of life at the intersection of royalty and family. Though she is not directly involved in the legal proceedings, the scandal has cast an emotional shadow over her formative years as a public figure. She continues to fulfill her academic commitments and prepares for the responsibilities that will one day make her Norway’s first reigning queen in modern history.
Observers note that how she handles this moment could define her early legacy. Her quiet composure and measured words suggest a princess grounded in empathy, aware of her family’s pain, but guided by a deep respect for justice and accountability. She is not only a witness to history but also part of it — navigating the delicate balance between personal grief and royal responsibility.
For now, the Norwegian royal family remains focused on its official duties while awaiting the legal process to unfold. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have continued public engagements, emphasizing continuity in the face of turmoil. “We are going through something difficult,” the Crown Prince said recently, “but we are staying true to our roles and values.”
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s words may have been few, but they carried the unmistakable weight of both heartbreak and duty. In just one sentence — “Of course it’s difficult for all of us” — she managed to speak for a nation watching its future queen face an extraordinary test of strength and grace.
