The eldest son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit will be released from custody while authorities investigate new sexual offense allegations, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported Wednesday.
Marius Borg Høiby, 27, stepson to Crown Prince Haakon and son of Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was arrested last week in Oslo on preliminary charges of having “sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act.” He holds no royal title and performs no official duties.
Prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski said police have reviewed evidence seized during the arrest and conducted numerous witness interviews during Høiby’s week in custody. Norwegian media report police found videos on Høiby’s phone allegedly showing assaults, though he denies all accusations.
Police decided against seeking extended detention, saying there was no risk of evidence tampering. “This was not surprising. He shouldn’t have been imprisoned at all,” defense attorney Øyvind Bratlien told NRK, indicating his client would likely be released Wednesday.
The case has drawn intense attention in Norway, where the royal family enjoys broad popularity. It follows earlier incidents involving Høiby, including an August 4 disturbance in downtown Oslo leading to preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage. Additional charges have since emerged, including violations of restraining orders and driving without a valid license, involving four women and one man.
Høiby lives with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. The royal palace has not commented on the recent allegations, according to Norwegian news agency NTB.
