Norway’s Crown Princess’s Son Arrested Amid Serious Charges Ahead of Trial
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, was arrested in Oslo on Sunday night as he awaits a trial set to begin tomorrow. The arrest adds to an already troubling narrative surrounding the royal family, as Høiby faces multiple severe charges, including rape and threats.
Why It Matters
This arrest represents a significant challenge for Norway’s royal family, as it coincides with other controversies involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The implications extend beyond personal embarrassment, potentially affecting public trust in the monarchy during a time when scrutiny surrounding royal affairs is intensifying.
Key Developments
- Marius Borg Høiby was detained on multiple charges, including assault, threats with a weapon, and violation of a restraining order.
- His trial, which begins Tuesday, encompasses 38 total counts, such as rape and making death threats.
- The Oslo District Court has approved his detention for up to four weeks due to concerns he might reoffend.
- Høiby denies all charges of sexual abuse and most violence allegations, with his legal team considering an appeal.
- The Crown Princess and her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, have chosen not to attend the trial and will refrain from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Full Report
Arrest Details
Høiby was taken into custody after an incident allegedly occurred over the weekend involving another individual. His defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, noted that Høiby disputes the basis of his detention and intends to appeal once both he and the involved party can provide police statements. However, these statements may not be gathered before a scheduled pause in the trial this weekend.
Charges Ahead
The former royal has been the subject of legal scrutiny for a prolonged period, with this arrest following a series of alleged wrongdoings that began in 2024. The incoming trial will cover serious offenses, including four counts of rape from incidents between 2018 and late 2024, in addition to acts of violence and the transportation of illegal drugs.
Family Response
Crown Prince Haakon made it clear that Høiby is not a member of the royal family in an official capacity and emphasized that he should be treated as any other citizen under Norwegian law. Haakon dismissed the notion of attending the court proceedings, asserting that the royal couple would remain silent on the matter throughout the trial.
Broader Royal Scrutiny
The unfolding events occur as Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces renewed criticism for her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, highlighted by the recent release of documents detailing her interactions with him. Mette-Marit has publicly expressed regret over her past decisions, stating that she failed to thoroughly investigate Epstein’s background.
Context & Previous Events
Høiby has experienced various legal issues since being charged with multiple offenses in 2024. Up to that point, he had remained free pending trial until his recent arrest. The royal family’s image has been further muddied by the business activities of Crown Prince Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, and her marriage to an American self-styled shaman, Durek Verrett.
Amid these challenges, the royal family’s popularity remains high in Norway, although the Høiby case threatens to overshadow their public perception. The ongoing trial is scheduled to continue until March 19.
