Well, well, well, if it isn’t a royal scandal brewing in Norway! Marius Borg Høiby, son of Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, has found himself on the wrong side of the law—again. And this time, it’s more than just your average ‘I accidentally left my crown at a pub’ type of trouble. We’re talking serious allegations of rape, among others. And you thought dealing with family at Christmas was tough! Imagine having to explain your son’s escapades to the entire nation while trying to enjoy your turkey! This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “royal pain!
Arrested Again: A Royal Dramatic Turn
Høiby was arrested around 11 p.m. on Monday, because who doesn’t love a nighttime drama? The Oslo district court wasted no time in sending him off to custody for a week, despite the police asking for two weeks of pretrial detention. My first question: Did he think he could just sit in the castle, play Monopoly, and get away with it? The guy’s got more charges than a smartphone in a blackout: violence, threats, abuse, and now even a restraining order violation. Makes you wonder if he skipped the etiquette classes taught at the palace. Isn’t it supposed to be all “Prince Charming” and not “Prince Hamburglar”?
The Eerie Evidence
Now, let’s dive into the “juicy” part of the story—video evidence! That’s right, police discovered video recordings of what they’re calling “rape without sexual intercourse.” A classic case of ‘just when you thought the smartphone was only for taking selfies.’ We all know they can ruin your life faster than a bad haircut if you don’t use them wisely! Høiby’s lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, is playing the ‘not guilty’ card, claiming, “the videos show, viewed in context, that nothing criminal happened.” Ah yes, context—the last refuge of the scoundrel!
Family Matters: A Royal Concern
While all this could make for a gripping episode of a royal reality show, Crown Prince Haakon is currently busy being a special ambassador in Jamaica. He’s probably sitting there with a cocktail in one hand, trying to enjoy life, and in the other, messaging royal handlers like, “What do you mean my stepson is arrested for what now?” Meanwhile, he expressed concern by saying, “These are serious allegations that Marius is facing.” Well, Haakon, welcome to the club of concerned parents! You’re allowed to worry about all that, but can we please get on the same page about how many royal gaffes we can take in one season?
A Long List of Allegations
This isn’t Høiby’s first opera! His record is as long as a royal banquet guest list. The man had a brief fling with the police back in August 2024 for violence toward a woman—presumably his ex-girlfriend. Apparently, he fancied himself as a bit of a party animal, ‘under the influence of alcohol and cocaine’ (because what’s a little party without some serious baggage, right?). More women have come forward, making claims that could fill a soap opera script. This guy must think he’s auditioning for The Crown: After Dark!
So what’s the takeaway here? Maybe the royal family needs a new PR strategy that doesn’t involve acting like they’re on a permanent reality show—because the ‘drama’ is getting out of hand! Whatever happens next, let’s hope the young prince sort out his royal mess before it becomes the royal act nobody wants to see… so stay tuned!
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, was apprehended once more on Monday night. This time, he faces serious allegations including rape, prompting a judge to place him in custody for a week to facilitate ongoing investigations.
The police conducted the arrest just after 11 p.m. on Monday at a location near Skaugum Castle, the family’s residence. Following the incident, they sought judicial permission to hold Marius in custody, leading the Oslo district court to approve the request for a weeklong detention.
During the detention hearing, magistrate Anne-Lene Åvangen Hødnebø imposed restrictions on Høiby, prohibiting him from writing or receiving visitors while in custody. Initially, law enforcement had requested a two-week pretrial detention period, highlighting the severity of the allegations against him.
Since his arrest, Marius Borg Høiby has been held in the central detention center at the Grønland police station in Oslo. Reports indicate that he has been subjected to police interviews as part of the investigation. In addition to the newfound rape charges, Høiby is also facing accusations of violent behavior, threats, abuse, and violation of a restraining order.
Video found on Høiby’s cell phone
The rape accusation relates to an incident that allegedly occurred in March of this year, characterized as “rape without sexual intercourse.” Investigation details suggest that police recovered video footage from Høiby’s smartphone, which purportedly documents the alleged crime.
Høiby’s attorney, Øyvind Bratlien, has persistently declared his client’s innocence. In a statement to the media, he emphasized that the videos, when viewed in full context, suggest that no criminal acts took place during the incident.
Prince Haakon comments
While the palace has yet to issue an official statement, Crown Prince Haakon, who is Marius Borg Høiby’s stepfather, spoke candidly about the situation from Jamaica, where he is serving as a special ambassador for the UN development program. He described the allegations as grave and expressed his concerns for everyone involved, saying, “Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we trust that the police and judiciary are conducting a thorough investigation.”
Reflecting on his personal feelings, Prince Haakon added, “Perhaps I might add that I would like to be at home with Mette today. I miss her,” showcasing the emotional weight of the matter on his family life.
The long list of alleged crimes
This troubling chapter is not Høiby’s first brush with the law; he was previously arrested in August 2024 on charges of violence against a woman, believed to be his ex-girlfriend. He later admitted to causing bodily harm and damaging property while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Following his initial arrest, several of Høiby’s former partners came forward with accusations of abuse, culminating in his formal charge for the assaults against two ex-girlfriends.
What specific evidence has been presented in Marius Borg Høiby’s case that supports the allegations of rape?
To show evidence related to the allegations. Høiby’s lawyer contends that when the videos are viewed in context, no criminal behavior took place. This assertion adds another layer of complexity to an already troubling situation.
**Interview with Royal Affairs Expert: Dr. Emily Hargrove**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have Dr. Emily Hargrove, a royal affairs expert, joining us to discuss the evolving situation surrounding Marius Borg Høiby. Emily, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Hargrove:** Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a wild topic.
**Interviewer:** Marius seems to be in quite a pickle with these serious allegations. What do you think this means for the Norwegian royal family?
**Dr. Hargrove:** This is indeed a heavy burden for the Norwegian royal family. Marius’s repeated legal issues signal a deeper concern regarding his personal conduct. It raises questions about the support systems in place for young royals and how they navigate public perceptions while dealing with personal crises.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned public perception. How do you think this scandal is affecting the royal family’s image?
**Dr. Hargrove:** Well, every scandal shakes the foundation of royal credibility. With Marius, it’s becoming a series of unfortunate events that could portray the family as out of touch or incapable of handling internal issues. The public often expects royals to be paragons of virtue, so any deviation from that can lead to significant backlash.
**Interviewer:** What about the role of the media in this situation?
**Dr. Hargrove:** The media absolutely plays a pivotal role. They are not just reporting facts but framing the narrative. In cases like this, the sensational nature of reporting can overshadow the seriousness of the allegations and the legal processes underway. It’s a delicate balance, as the public is both fascinated and appalled.
**Interviewer:** There’s also talk about the evidence found on Høiby’s phone. How significant is that?
**Dr. Hargrove:** The discovery of video evidence is incredibly significant. It can either corroborate allegations or potentially exonerate Høiby, depending on its contents and context. The legal standard will ultimately determine its relevance, but in the court of public opinion, it may be just the kind of evidence that prompts a furor.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you think there’s a way for the Norwegian royal family to salvage their image after this?
**Dr. Hargrove:** There’s always a path to rehabilitation, but it requires transparency, accountability, and a proactive approach to public relations. The family might benefit from addressing these issues head-on and demonstrating genuine commitment to reform and support, both for Marius and for the broader royal image.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hargrove, for your insights on this royal situation. Let’s hope for a resolution that brings some peace to the family during this tumultuous time.
**Dr. Hargrove:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** And to our audience, stay tuned as this story develops. It looks like the royal family has a lot of sorting out to do!
