Norwegian Royal Family in Turmoil Following Charges Against Crown Princess' Son

The 28-year-old Marius Borg Hoiby has been charged with serious offenses after a lengthy police investigation, marking a tumultuous period for Norway’s royal family as they confront these grave allegations.

The royal family of Norway is facing unprecedented scrutiny as Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, according to announcements from the Oslo police. The investigation, which has been ongoing for several months, wrapped up following Hoiby's initial arrest in August, leading to a range of charges including bodily harm and property damage.

Hoiby, who is 28 years old, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and has been a subject of police inquiry since the summer. His legal troubles deepened with subsequent arrests in September and November as more allegations surfaced, particularly concerning instances of sexual violence. The police's meticulous investigation included interviews with witnesses and an extensive review of digital evidence, culminating in the announcements made recently.

His attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated that while Hoiby takes the accusations very seriously, he does not admit to most of the wrongdoing, especially related to sexual offenses and violence. Sekulic expressed hope that Hoiby would be acquitted pending indictment.

Marius Borg Hoiby was only four years old when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon Tjessem Hoiby in 2001, which brought him into the public spotlight. He holds no official royal titles or duties, yet his connections draw significant media attention. The updated legal charges against him include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts without intercourse, and several counts of sexually offensive behavior, alongside accusations of harassment of a police officer and violation of restraining orders.

Notably, after his initial arrest, Hoiby publicly admitted to causing bodily harm while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, vowing to undergo treatment for substance addiction. Prosecutors are expected to make decisions regarding potential indictments in the coming months, as the royal family grapples with the implications of his charges on their image and standing in Norwegian society.