Marius Borg Høiby, the 27-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been arrested on serious criminal charges, including suspicion of rape and multiple other offenses. Although he is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby does not hold a royal title or have official royal duties.
Norwegian police have charged Høiby with sexual intercourse with “someone who is unconscious or for other reasons is unable to resist the act.” The rape allegation involves a sexual act without full intercourse, where the victim was reportedly unable to resist. Høiby has reportedly denied the rape accusation.
The arrest occurred on Monday at 23:12 local time, when police detained Høiby in a car with a victim from a separate incident. The charges against him have been expanding and are increasingly complex, involving multiple alleged victims and various criminal allegations.
In addition to the rape charge, Høiby is facing multiple other serious accusations:
1. On August 4th, he faces charges of violence and criminal damage
2. Charges of “maltreatment” in close relationships
3. Violation of a restraining order against a victim
4. Driving without a valid driver’s license
Police have also searched Høiby’s residence at Skaugum, which is located near where the crown prince and his wife live. This is not Høiby’s first encounter with legal troubles; he has previously been charged with abuse against two ex-girlfriends, Julianne Snekkestad and Nora Haukland, and with threatening a man.
The Norwegian royal palace has declined to comment on Høiby’s latest arrest, maintaining silence about the ongoing legal proceedings. This discretion is typical in sensitive legal matters involving public figures.
Høiby’s situation represents a significant legal and potentially personal challenge for the Norwegian royal family. Despite being connected to the royal household through his mother and stepfather, he is not an official member of the royal family and does not have royal responsibilities.
The multiple and serious nature of the charges suggest a complex legal situation that could have significant personal and potentially public consequences for Høiby and his family. The allegations span various types of criminal behavior, from sexual offenses to domestic violence and traffic violations.
As the legal process continues, the case will likely draw significant attention in Norway, given Høiby’s connection to the royal family, even if he does not hold an official royal title.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the legal proceedings continue to develop.
