Marius Borg Høiby, the 27-year-old son of Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, will remain in custody for one week following his arrest on rape allegations. The arrest, which took place on Monday evening, involves an ongoing investigation into a second allegation from another woman.
On Wednesday, a judge approved the police’s request for Marius to remain detained for one week. During this time, he is prohibited from receiving visits or correspondence.
Crown Prince Haakon broke his silence on the matter, telling Norwegian broadcaster NRK, “Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will handle. I am confident they will carry out their duties thoroughly.”
He added, “As a family and as parents, we have sought to ensure Marius receives help. We have been working for a long time to find ways for him to access more support. This remains a priority for us, but it must be done within the framework of the legal system.”
Prince Haakon also expressed his wish to support his wife, Princess Mette-Marit, during this difficult time.
Marius’s lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, announced plans to appeal the detention ruling but expressed cautious optimism as the judge denied the police’s request for a two-week remand. “We consider that a positive development,” Bratlien told NRK.
This marks the third time in recent months that Marius has faced legal troubles. In August, he was arrested following an altercation at a woman’s apartment, where police found a knife embedded in her bedroom wall. He spent 30 hours in custody before being detained again in September for violating a restraining order involving the same woman.
Police revealed that during his most recent arrest, Marius was reportedly in a car with the alleged victim from the August incident. Investigators have since searched his residence and seized items as part of their inquiries.
Police lawyer Andreas Kruszewski confirmed the details of the second allegation, stating that the serious nature of the claims requires a thorough investigation.
These legal troubles have placed renewed scrutiny on Marius’s role within Norway’s royal family. Although raised alongside his royal step-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius does not hold a royal title or undertake formal duties. Despite largely living a private life, his repeated run-ins with the law have strained the family’s public image.
Earlier this month, Marius issued a statement denying abuse allegations from two former girlfriends, Nora Haukland and Juliane Snekkestad, which surfaced after his August arrest. While he admitted to assaulting his current girlfriend, he refuted the claims made by his ex-partners.
The royal family has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest developments. Crown Prince Haakon’s comments, however, highlight the gravity of the situation as the investigation continues. No formal charges have been filed at this stage.
