Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has addressed the public for the first time since his recent arrest, following allegations of both psychological and physical assault on a woman in her 20s.
In his statement, he acknowledges his drug use and offers an apology to his family.
According to Se og Hør, Marius was held in police custody for over 30 hours on Sunday, August 4, after an “incident in an apartment” in Frogner, Oslo. The woman involved was diagnosed with a concussion after being taken to the hospital.
Marius, who is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has issued his statement through his lawyer, Oyvind Braitlin, which was shared with Norwegian outlet NRK.
He said: “Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.
“I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. I will now resume this treatment and take it very seriously.
Marius continued: “The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police.
“For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards. Being pursued by photographers and journalists at a time like this I know has been tough to stand in.”
He ended his statement by saying: “I also want to apologise to my family. I know that my actions have greatly affected you. So to you my love, I’m sorry. This should never have happened and I take full responsibility for my actions.”
Speaking about his client to Norwegian channel TV2, Marius’ lawyer Mr Bratlien said: “He has not formally taken a position on guilt as he has not been questioned, but in reality this is an admission of guilt after the charge.”
