Son of Norway’s Crown Princess Arrested on Rape Allegations

Marius Borg Høiby, the 27-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been taken into custody in connection with a suspected rape. Mr. Høiby is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, who is the heir to the Norwegian throne, but he holds no royal title nor does he perform official duties. On Tuesday, Norwegian police announced that Mr. Høiby had been charged with engaging in sexual intercourse with “someone who is unconscious or for other reasons is unable to resist the act.” Mr. Høiby has reportedly denied the rape allegation. He is also facing multiple other charges for alleged offenses against four additional victims. A police statement clarified that the rape “concerns [a] sexual act without intercourse” and that the victim was “said to have been unable to resist the act.” Local reports indicate that the Norwegian palace has chosen not to comment on Mr. Høiby’s recent arrest. Police apprehended Mr. Høiby at 23:12 (22:12 GMT) on Monday while he was in a car with a victim involved in a distinct incident. Regarding this separate event, which occurred on 4 August, he is facing charges of violence and criminal damage. On Tuesday, police further stated that the charges against him have been broadened to encompass “maltreatment” within close relationships and “another violation” of a restraining order issued against the same victim. Authorities also noted that a report was filed concerning driving without a valid driver’s licence. Police have also conducted a search of Mr. Høiby’s residence at Skaugum, an area situated near the home of the crown prince and his wife. Furthermore, Mr. Høiby has faced prior charges for abuse against his former girlfriends, Julianne Snekkestad and Nora Haukland, and for threatening a man.