Norwegian Royal Family Faces Scandal Over Allegations Against Future King's Stepson

The Norwegian Royal Family is embroiled in controversy following allegations against Marius Borg Høiby, the stepson of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Høiby is accused of physically assaulting a woman in her home in Oslo and threatening to set her clothes on fire. The incident, which occurred on August 4, led to Høiby spending over 30 hours in police custody. While he has not yet provided a statement, the police have confirmed his status as a suspect in the case. Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation while in Paris, acknowledging the seriousness of police involvement but refraining from discussing specific details. He emphasized the importance of due process, stating that neither he nor Høiby had been fully informed about the case. The royal family has maintained a low profile regarding the incident, which has raised questions about Høiby’s role within the family, as he does not hold an official public position unlike his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. In a related development, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her family dynamics, particularly concerning her relationship with her son and his alleged influence. Veruschka, Høiby’s mother, has publicly criticized the media for portraying her son as "dangerous" and accused them of spreading falsehoods about their family's financial background. This controversy comes amid ongoing debates about the royal family's titles and privileges, particularly regarding Princess Märtha Louise, who has faced calls to relinquish her royal title after using it in a legal matter.