The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been taken into police custody days before he is due to face trial in Oslo on multiple criminal charges. Authorities confirmed that Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was arrested on suspicion of assault and for allegedly breaching a restraining order.
A court has ordered that he remain in custody for four weeks while investigations continue. Police stated that the latest allegations involve threats made with a knife and concerns that he could commit further offences if released.
Høiby is scheduled to appear in court this week to answer 38 separate charges, which include accusations of sexual assault involving several women. He has denied the most serious claims but has acknowledged some lesser offences.
This is the fourth time he has been detained since August 2024, when he was first accused of attacking a woman with whom he had been in a relationship. The case has drawn intense attention in Norway because of his close connection to the royal household.
Although Høiby is not officially a member of the royal family, he is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. The royal palace has repeatedly described him as a private citizen and said the legal process must take its course without interference.
The developments come at a sensitive time for the monarchy. Separate revelations have emerged about past contacts between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The princess has publicly acknowledged that her communication with him more than a decade ago reflected poor judgment and expressed sympathy for those harmed by his actions.
Norwegian commentators have questioned how those contacts were handled and whether sufficient advice was provided at the time. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has said he agrees with the princess’s own assessment that the matter was mishandled.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit plays a prominent public role in Norway and supports several charitable organisations. She is also receiving medical treatment for a long-term lung condition, and doctors are reportedly considering her for a future transplant.
The upcoming trial is expected to last several weeks and will be closely followed across the country. The Oslo District Court said the decision to keep Høiby in detention was made to prevent potential repeat offences and to ensure the legal process proceeds safely.
In a recent statement, Crown Prince Haakon expressed concern for the women involved in the case and said the situation has been difficult for all affected families. The royal household has emphasised that it will not comment further while proceedings are under way.