The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been arrested by police on suspicion of assault, just days ahead of his trial in Oslo, where he faces 38 charges including the rape of four women.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was remanded in custody for four weeks as police reported new allegations involving the use of a knife and violations of a restraining order, citing a risk of reoffending.
This arrest on Sunday marks the fourth time he has been detained since August 2024, when he was accused of assaulting a woman he had been involved with.
Høiby has denied the most serious charges but has admitted to some lesser offenses. This situation continues to unfold as a significant scandal for the royal family.
Norwegians are dealing with additional revelations concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who admitted to having corresponded extensively with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014. She publicly acknowledged her 'poor judgement' and expressed her sympathy for Epstein's victims, describing her association with him as embarrassing.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has backed her admission, subtly criticizing her actions amidst public outcry. Questions about the oversight from her advisers during her contact with Epstein have also emerged.
Despite not being an official royal family member, Høiby’s charges range widely, from serious sexual offenses to drug-related issues, raising concerns about the royal family's image as they navigate these troubling times.
The Oslo District Court agreed to a police request to remand him for a significant period at the beginning of the trial in hopes of preventing further offenses.
The royal household has attempted to dissociate from Høiby’s legal troubles, with Crown Prince Haakon expressing sympathy towards the victims involved in this case.
