Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon recently addressed allegations of sexual assault against his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, after authorities arrested Høiby on suspicion of rape.
In a statement made from Jamaica, Crown Prince Haakon stressed the seriousness of the charges and his empathy for everyone involved, People reported.
Crown Prince Haakon attended a working trip in Jamaica for the United Nations Development Programme when news broke about his stepson's arrest. On November 18, police detained Marius Borg Høiby in connection with a rape case in Oslo's affluent Frogner district. Høiby, 27, maintains an independent life from the Norwegian monarchy despite his close kinship with Crown Princess Mette-Marit, his mother.
Police arrested the 27-year-old while he was in a vehicle with an alleged victim and simultaneously searched his residence. After the arrest, authorities remanded him to a week in custody starting November 20, imposing stringent restrictions, including a ban on letters and visits. The Oslo Police District charged Marius with committing two rapes, which he denies, asserting his innocence throughout the criminal process.
The charges against Marius accuse him of committing non-consensual acts legally described as sexual acts without intercourse, involving a victim reportedly unable to resist. The ongoing investigation reveals the complexity of the case, suggesting the involvement of up to six different victims linked to various accusations against him. Reports indicate these allegations began surfacing in early August following an incident involving an ex-girlfriend.
Amid the unfolding situation, Crown Prince Haakon has publicly voiced his support for the legal process, emphasizing his trust in the police and judicial system to handle the case appropriately. "The police must also be allowed to do their job, and the judiciary must be allowed to do their job. I have confidence that they will do that in a good way," said Haakon during his trip.
"It is a serious accusation that Marius faces. Today, of course, we are thinking of all those affected," Haakon expressed during one of his press statements. His remarks highlight a turmoil of emotions felt not only by the victim's supporters but also by Marius's family members, who find themselves in a difficult position balancing personal affiliations and public expectations.
Despite the gravity of the situation and his professional commitments abroad, Crown Prince Haakon shared his longing to be back in Norway with his family during these trying times. "Perhaps I will be allowed to add that I would like to be at home with Mette today. I miss her," stated Haakon, echoing the personal toll that the case has taken on him and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Further underlying the family's burden amid such public scrutiny, Haakon revealed the ongoing concerns they have had over Marius's well-being. "We as a family and as parents have, of course, been very concerned that Marius should get help," he stated, implying ongoing struggles for Marius that require attention regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who had Marius from a previous relationship, has not made any public statements regarding the situation. Meanwhile, the Norwegian royal family continues to face public and media scrutiny as the case develops, reflecting the complex intersection of private troubles and public figures.
