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Royal Scandal Deepens as Marius Borg Høiby Faces New Charges
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been arrested on new charges just one day before his scheduled trial on 38 criminal counts including multiple rape allegations. The arrest occurred on Sunday evening, with police requesting four weeks of pre-trial detention due to concerns about potential reoffending.
Latest Allegations and Arrest Details
According to Norwegian authorities, Høiby is now suspected of assault, threats with a knife, and violation of a restraining order. The new offenses are believed to have occurred this past weekend and reportedly involve his ex-girlfriend, though specific details remain undisclosed. 'The police want Høiby four weeks in pre-trial custody because of the risk of repetition,' a court official confirmed to Norwegian media.
This arrest comes exactly two years after Høiby admitted to assaulting a former girlfriend while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, destroying her apartment in Oslo's Frogner district. Despite an existing restraining order, Norwegian media reports indicate the couple had been meeting recently, with the woman's lawyer previously stating she wanted the order lifted. However, police maintain it remains in effect for her protection.
The Upcoming Trial: 38 Criminal Counts
The arrest occurs on the eve of what Norwegian media are calling the biggest royal scandal in the country's 120-year monarchy. Høiby faces trial on 38 charges including four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024, domestic violence against former partners, death threats, and drug trafficking involving 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana.
According to court documents obtained by CBS News, some of the alleged rapes involved women who were attacked while sleeping or passed out drunk, with some incidents reportedly filmed. Høiby has confessed to some minor charges and a 2020 drug offense but denies all sexual abuse allegations and most violence charges.
Royal Family's Position and Public Reaction
Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby's stepfather, has emphasized that Høiby is not part of the Norwegian royal house and will face justice as any other Norwegian citizen. 'He is not part of the royal house and has the same rights and responsibilities as any Norwegian citizen,' Haakon stated in a recent interview. Neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit plan to attend the trial.
The case has created unprecedented scrutiny for Norway's royal family, traditionally held in high regard by the public. According to BBC News, the trial represents the most significant scandal in Norwegian royal history, occurring as Crown Princess Mette-Marit battles serious health issues with pulmonary fibrosis.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Marius Borg Høiby was born on January 13, 1997, before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. According to his Wikipedia entry, he is constitutionally barred from becoming king of Norway and does not serve in any public royal role. His biological father, Morten Borg, was one of Norway's first convicted cocaine dealers and served multiple prison sentences.
The trial is scheduled to begin today in Oslo District Court and is expected to last until mid-March. Prosecutors have indicated Høiby could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted on all charges. A court decision on whether Høiby will remain in custody pending trial is expected later today.
