In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Norway's royal establishment, Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been arrested on serious assault allegations mere days before he is scheduled to stand trial for multiple rape charges. The Oslo police district confirmed the arrest occurred on Sunday evening, with Høiby facing accusations of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order.
Imminent Trial Overshadowed by Fresh Allegations
This latest arrest comes just forty-eight hours before Høiby is due to appear in Oslo's district court to answer thirty-eight separate counts, including four allegations of rape and multiple assaults against former partners. The twenty-nine-year-old, who is Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, has denied the most serious charges while admitting to some lesser offences.
Police attorney Andreas Kruszewski stated formally: 'The Oslo police district can confirm that Marius Borg Høiby was arrested by the police on Sunday evening, charged with assault, threats with a knife and violation of a restraining order.' Authorities have requested Høiby be remanded in custody for four weeks, citing concerns about the risk of reoffending.
Unprecedented Legal Proceedings Against Royal Family Member
Høiby's impending trial, scheduled to continue until March nineteenth, represents an unprecedented moment in Norwegian history as he becomes the first royal family member ever to face criminal charges. The case has already prompted his removal from official listings of the Scandinavian royal household.
Several former girlfriends have come forward as plaintiffs in the rape case, with Høiby under strict court orders prohibiting any contact with them. If found guilty on the most serious charges, he could face imprisonment exceeding ten years.
Media Restrictions and Family Background
In an unusual move, the court has imposed a seven-week ban on photographs of the royal defendant both inside and outside the courtroom, attempting to manage what is expected to be intense media scrutiny. Høiby grew up in the public eye as 'Little Marius', enjoying similar privileges to his royal half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, despite his biological father Morten Borg having served prison time for drug and violent offences.
Since the initial charges emerged last August, Høiby has largely maintained his normal lifestyle, travelling extensively to destinations including Hemsedal, Copenhagen, and Italy with friends. Following his recent arrest, he has reportedly spent time at rehabilitation centres in London.
Monarchy's Reputation Under Strain
The cascading legal troubles have significantly impacted public perception of Norway's royal family. Support for the monarchy has plummeted from eighty-one percent in 2017 to just sixty-two percent last September, reflecting the profound effect these allegations have had on the institution's standing.
As Norway prepares for this landmark legal proceeding, the case continues to unfold with developments that challenge traditional perceptions of royal privilege and accountability in modern Scandinavian society.
