Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, faces arrest on suspicion of rape and other related offenses.
According to Daily Mail, the arrest has sparked public controversy and reignited media focus on the Norwegian royal family during a tumultuous period.
Police arrived at Rebecca Helberg Arntsen's Oslo apartment on August 4, arrested Marius Borg Høiby for causing bodily harm and property destruction, and discovered a knife embedded in a wall, indicating a violent altercation. This incident began a series of legal troubles for Høiby.
Authorities arrested Marius again in September after he violated a restraining order meant to protect Arntsen. His repeated legal violations culminated in his most recent arrest while he sat in a car with the victim from the August incident.
Marius grew up in the royal household alongside Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but he does not hold an official public role within the Norwegian monarchy. Notably, at 20, he decided to step back from public life, thereby distancing himself from the formal duties and responsibilities often associated with royal families.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian royal family expressed their disturbance over the situation involving Marius. These incidents arise at a time when Crown Princess Mette-Marit continues to battle health challenges, including a chronic lung disease diagnosed in 2018 that has significantly limited her ability to fulfill her royal duties. Consequently, the Court has had to adjust her schedule and expectations.
Furthermore, Marius has openly acknowledged his struggles with mental health disorders and substance abuse, stating that he is seeking treatment. Ultimately, his battles with personal demons have influenced his actions during the reported incidents, casting a shadow over his life choices and behaviors.
In a public statement, Marius expressed his remorse for his actions: "Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument." He continued, asserting his intent to take responsibility and cooperate with law enforcement.
"The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened," Marius stated further in his apology, emphasizing his sorrow towards his girlfriend and family for the fallout of his actions. His apologetic tone reflects an attempt to reconcile his failures with a public expectation of responsibility.
The details of the arrest concerning the alleged rape involve a sexual act performed when the victim was unable to resist, complicating the case and increasing the scrutiny of Høiby’s actions and behavior.
The Crown Princess's health issues have been publicly acknowledged by the royal family, impacting her public duties and appearances. "Due to side effects of the medication...she is on sick leave," announced the Norwegian Royal Court, reflecting the severity of her condition and its impacts on her official responsibilities.
Mette-Marit herself has spoken about her health, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her working capacity and the regular challenges she has faced over the years. These health struggles have necessitated adaptations in her schedule and duties, as shared by the royal court.
The unfolding events surrounding Marius Borg Høiby present a complex picture of personal struggle against a backdrop of royal expectations and public life. His recent apologies and admissions suggest a recognition of the gravity of his actions, paired with a plea for privacy and understanding as he navigates his legal and personal battles.
