The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess was apprehended just before his trial on multiple charges, including rape, in a case that has caused embarrassment to the royal family, according to police reports on Monday.
Marius Borg Høiby was taken into custody on Sunday evening for alleged assault, knife threats, and breaching a restraining order, as stated by the police. They have sought a four-week detention citing the risk of repeat offenses.
His trial at the Oslo district court is scheduled for Tuesday, with the indictment comprising 38 counts such as rape, domestic abuse against one former partner, physical violence against another individual, and the transportation of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Other accusations include making death threats and traffic infractions.
Høiby, 29, has been in the spotlight since his multiple arrests in 2024 over various misconduct allegations. However, he had been out on bail until Sunday.
Prosecutors have indicated that if convicted, Høiby could face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The trial is anticipated to extend until mid-March.
Høiby is the son of Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne. Despite the general popularity of the royal family in Norway, the Høiby case has tarnished their reputation.
Ahead of the trial, the recent release of documents from the Epstein files on Friday shed negative light on Mette-Marit. These documents included numerous references to the crown princess, who had previously expressed regret in 2019 for her association with Epstein. The newly disclosed documents revealed that Mette-Marit had stayed at a property owned by Epstein in Palm Beach, Fla., for a few days in early 2013, and she confirmed doing so through a mutual acquaintance.
In a statement, Mette-Marit acknowledged her lapse in judgment for not thoroughly researching Epstein’s background and regretted any involvement with him. She expressed deep sympathy for Epstein’s victims.
Apart from Mette-Marit’s connections with Epstein and Høiby’s trial, Norway’s royal family has faced negative publicity from Princess Märtha Louise’s business ventures, particularly her marriage to Durek Verrett, an American self-proclaimed shaman, in 2024.