Son of Norway’s crown princess detained on fresh allegations ahead of trial
Reuters
Oslo: Norwegian police said they detained the eldest son of Norway’s crown princess over new criminal allegations against him ahead of a separate trial this week where he will face multiple counts of rape and other crimes.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of causing bodily harm, using a knife and violating a restraining order, police said in a statement.
Following the latest charges, police said they would ask a judge for permission to keep Hoiby in custody for the next four weeks.
He remains free so far ahead of a trial that begins Tuesday on four charges of rape, as well as domestic violence, assault and drug possession, among other offences, one of several cases that have shaken the Norwegian monarchy.
He may face new charges from the latest allegations, on top of the 38 charges he currently faces. His attorney declined to comment on the new charges filed Monday.
Hoiby has pleaded not guilty to the rape and domestic violence charges, but admitted to some lesser crimes and plans to make a detailed statement about that in court, his lawyer said earlier. His trial will last until March 19.
The case against Hoiby began in 2024, when police named him as a suspect of physically assaulting a woman he was in a relationship with.
In his statement to the press at that time, Hoiby admitted that he had caused bodily harm to the woman and damaged her apartment while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. Hoiby said he regretted his actions.
Hoiby’s defense team said he “denies all accusations of sexual abuse and most allegations of violence.”
Last week, Haakon said he and Mette-Marit did not plan to attend the court and that the royal family did not intend to comment during the proceedings.
He stressed that Hoiby was not part of the royal family and that, as a Norwegian citizen, he had the same responsibilities and rights as everyone else. He said he was confident that everyone involved would make the hearing as orderly, smooth and fair as possible.
Although the royal family is generally popular in Norway, the Hoiby case has tarnished their image. And the trial opens as her mother comes under renewed scrutiny for her connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Reuters with AP
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