The upcoming trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been further complicated by the addition of new charges just before the proceedings are scheduled to commence. Høiby, who already faces 32 counts related to alleged offenses such as rape, domestic abuse, violent acts, threats, and various traffic violations, now faces an additional six charges. Among the new accusations is a significant charge concerning the transport of a substantial amount of marijuana across Norway in July 2020.
These fresh charges also include alleged breaches of a restraining order and violations of traffic regulations. The trial is set to take place in Oslo starting on February 3 and is anticipated to continue until mid-March.
In December, Marius’ family, who had previously maintained silence regarding the allegations, spoke openly about the impending court case and its impact on the family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, King Harald, and Queen Sonja addressed the accusations, emphasizing their commitment to seeking professional help for Marius and expressing their profound concern over the situation.
Mette-Marit refuted claims that she had warned Marius about his imminent arrest, stating her distress at the serious allegations made against her son. She stressed the family’s dedication to addressing the matter through the legal system, highlighting the importance of allowing due process to unfold before making further comments on the case.
King Harald also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing empathy for those affected and emphasizing the Royal Family’s intention to continue with their duties amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø underscored the seriousness of the case and emphasized that royal status should not influence the legal process, indicating that Marius could face up to a 10-year imprisonment if found guilty.
The family’s decision to deal with the matter through legal channels and their reluctance to engage in public discussions until the legal process is completed were reiterated by Mette-Marit, emphasizing the importance of allowing justice to prevail without interference.
The Royal Family’s commitment to handling the situation with integrity and respect for the legal system was reiterated, underscoring their belief in the importance of upholding the rule of law in addressing the allegations against Marius.
