COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been apprehended once again, this time under suspicion of sexual assault, police confirmed on Tuesday.
Marius Borg Høiby, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, Norway’s heir apparent, is the son of Mette-Marit from a prior relationship. He does not hold any royal title and does not partake in official royal duties.
Borg Høiby was detained late Monday night in Oslo on preliminary charges concerning allegations of engaging in sexual intercourse with an individual deemed incapable of giving consent. These preliminary charges permit law enforcement to hold suspects while investigations proceed. While the police did not reveal the timing of the alleged incident, they indicated that it involved a victim unable to resist. Reports from Norwegian media noted that Borg Høiby has denied the claims against him.
The legal representative for the woman at the center of the allegations stated that she is experiencing significant distress. In comments to a Norwegian broadcaster, she mentioned that the police initiated the case rather than the woman herself. The identity of the alleged victim remains undisclosed.
The royal palace has chosen not to comment on the ongoing situation, according to reports from local media.
On August 4, Oslo police intervened in an incident in downtown Oslo, leading to the brief detention of Borg Høiby. He faced preliminary charges related to bodily harm and criminal damage but was later released. The specifics of this prior incident remain murky, though police suggested a connection between Borg Høiby and the victim involved.
In light of the recent allegations, more preliminary charges have emerged against Borg Høiby, including infringements of restraining orders and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Collectively, these cases involve accusations from four women and one man.
This situation is currently a major topic of discussion in Norway, where the royal family enjoys considerable public support.
At 27 years old, Borg Høiby resides with the royal family and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit drew significant attention in 2001 when she wed Haakon, as she was a single mother with a background that included a previous partner who had been convicted of drug-related offenses.