OSLO, Norway: In a week of embarrassments to the royal family, the eldest son of Norway's crown princess was arrested over new allegations of assault to add to his 38 counts of rape, abuse, violence, and drug dealing, police said on February 2.
Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon. He has no royal title or official duties.
Høiby was arrested the previous day and is accused of assault, making threats with a knife, and breaking a restraining order, police said. Norwegian media reported that the alleged incidents happened over the weekend. The Oslo District Court agreed to keep him in custody for up to four weeks because of concerns that he might commit further offenses.
The 38 charges Høiby faces include rape, abuse of a former partner, violence against another person, and transporting 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Other accusations involve death threats and traffic violations.
He has been under public scrutiny since being arrested several times in 2024 on various allegations. He was formally charged in August but remained free until February 1 while waiting for trial.
His defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, did not share details about the case but said Høiby is challenging his detention and his legal team may file an appeal once statements are given to the police.
Although Norway's royal family is usually well liked, Høiby's case has damaged their image. The trial is beginning at the same time his mother is again facing questions about her past contact with Jeffrey Epstein.
The recent release of new Epstein documents mentioned Crown Princess Mette-Marit hundreds of times, putting her in an uncomfortable spotlight. She had already said in 2019 that she regretted any contact she had with Epstein.
In a statement sent by the royal household, Mette-Marit said she takes responsibility for not checking Epstein's background more carefully and for not realizing sooner what kind of person he was. She said she deeply regrets her actions and called the situation embarrassing. She also expressed strong sympathy and support for Epstein's victims.
The Høiby trial and Mette-Marit's Epstein links are not the only negative attention facing Norway's royals. Princess Märtha Louise, sister of Crown Prince Haakon, has also been criticized for her business activities. In 2024, around the same time Høiby's case was in the news, she married an American man who describes himself as a shaman, Durek Verrett.
