In a developing story that has drawn attention and concern across Norway, Marius Borg Hoiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing multiple serious charges including rape and sexual assault. The Oslo police announced these charges on Friday, marking the conclusion of a rigorous investigation that began last August after Mr. Borg Hoiby was first arrested.
The young man, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has found himself entangled in legal issues since his first arrest related to bodily harm and damage. He was subsequently arrested in separate incidents in September and November, leading up to the current charges. The police have stated they conducted extensive investigations that involved interviewing multiple witnesses and analyzing substantial digital evidence over the months.
Marius Borg Hoiby’s lawyer, Petar Sekulic, emphasized that his client is taking the allegations seriously while maintaining his innocence regarding most of the sexual abuse charges. Sekulic remarked that Mr. Borg Hoiby has fully cooperated with authorities and is hopeful of being acquitted should the case go to indictment.
Born in 1995, Marius Borg Hoiby became a part of the royal family when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Despite his royal heritage, he does not hold a title or have any official royal duties. The updated charges against him, according to the police, are extensive and serious, including rape with and without intercourse, as well as multiple other counts related to abusive behavior.
Following his arrest last summer, Hoiby issued an apology to Norway's public broadcaster, NRK, admitting to causing harm and damage while under the influence of substances, and expressed a desire to seek help for his addiction.
Prosecutors are now determining the next steps regarding the indictment process, while the royal family grapples with the impact these developments have on their public image and personal lives.
