Crown princess's son released amid serious rape allegations

In Norway, the legal troubles surrounding Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, have escalated following his arrest last week on preliminary rape charges. Authorities allege that he engaged in sexual intercourse with someone who was unconscious or unable to resist. While Borg Høiby was released from custody, Oslo police have since initiated an investigation into further sexual offenses that have yet to result in formal charges. It remains unclear whether these new allegations stem from the same incident or involve separate occurrences, as details about the new claims are still undisclosed. The case has received significant media attention in Norway, reflecting the public's interest in the royal family's affairs. Marius Borg Høiby, who currently lives with the royal family, has denied all accusations against him, and his defense attorney expressed that his imprisonment was unwarranted. Previously, on August 4, he was briefly detained by police due to a disturbance involving preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage, highlighting a pattern of legal issues faced by him of late. As the investigation unfolds, no comments have been made by the royal palace regarding the ongoing allegations against Borg Høiby, keeping the situation shrouded in some degree of mystery. Several preliminary charges, including violations of restraining orders and driving without a valid license, are now linked to him, indicating a troubling trajectory and complicating the narrative surrounding his public image. Such serious allegations against someone closely related to Norway's royal family also raise questions about the implications for the monarchy and its broader reputation, especially considering the popularity of the royals in the Norwegian public sphere.