Authorities in Oslo have detained Marius Borg Høiby, the oldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, immediately prior to the commencement of his court trial, according to a police announcement made on Monday. The arrest occurred Sunday evening, with Høiby facing accusations including assault, knife threats, and breaching a restraining order. Law enforcement officials have formally requested a four-week detention period, citing concerns about a potential risk of further offenses. Attempts to reach the defense counsel for comment were unsuccessful.
The trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday at Oslo District Court. The prosecution's indictment is extensive, comprising 38 distinct allegations. These encompass charges of rape, domestic abuse against a former partner, violent acts committed against another individual, and involvement in transporting approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Additional charges include the issuance of death threats and traffic infractions.
Since 2024, Høiby’s behavior has been closely monitored after several arrests tied to accusations of criminal activity. Despite his indictment issued in August, he remained free on bail until the recent detention.
Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from an earlier relationship, making him the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, designated heir apparent. He carries no official royal title and bears no official obligations or roles within the monarchy.
The formal charges focus particularly on four alleged rapes that reportedly occurred from 2018 up until November 2024. The case also involves accusations of violence and hazardous threats directed at a previous partner during the period from mid-2022 to late 2023. Furthermore, two separate incidents involving acts of violence against a different partner, coupled with violations of legal restraining orders, are included in the indictment.
Representatives from Høiby’s defense have issued a statement asserting that he denies all allegations relating to sexual abuse and disputes the majority of the claims connected to violent conduct.
In a recent public statement, Crown Prince Haakon clarified that he and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will not be attending the trial proceedings and that the royal household will refrain from issuing commentary throughout the legal process. He stressed that Høiby is not formally affiliated with the royal house and, as a Norwegian citizen, is entitled to the same rights and subject to the same responsibilities as other citizens. The prince expressed confidence that all parties involved will uphold a well-ordered, respectful, and equitable trial.
Though the Norwegian royal family typically enjoys considerable popularity domestically, the allegations surrounding Høiby have tarnished their public image. Compounding this challenge, the trial takes place as renewed attention emerges concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit's former contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents recently released from the Epstein case, made public on Friday, have highlighted associations involving the crown princess. These papers reportedly reference Mette-Marit several hundred times. In 2019, she publicly expressed remorse for her prior contact with Epstein.
Among the newly available documents are email correspondences indicating that Mette-Marit stayed at a property owned by Epstein in Palm Beach, Florida, for a few days in early 2013. Confirmation of this arrangement has been provided by royal sources, noting the stay was facilitated through a mutual acquaintance.
In a formal communication, the crown princess acknowledged her failure to sufficiently investigate Epstein’s background and expressed regret for not recognizing his true character sooner. She took responsibility for her lapse in judgment and described the episode as "simply embarrassing," also extending her heartfelt sympathy and support to the victims of Epstein’s abuses.
Aside from the controversies involving Høiby and Mette-Marit, the Norwegian royal family has faced other controversies. Princess Märtha Louise, sister of Crown Prince Haakon, has attracted criticism related to her business endeavors. Notably, in 2024—the same year Høiby’s legal troubles intensified—she entered into matrimony with Durek Verrett, an American who identifies as a shaman.