Marius Borg Hoiby, the 27-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been apprehended for allegedly breaching a restraining order. The order was implemented following accusations of assault against his former partner.
According to law enforcement, Hoiby was taken into custody on September 13, 2024, at a cabin in Gusdal municipality during a hunting excursion with companions. He was released the following day. The police stated that they received information about Hoiby making unwanted contact with the woman, who is considered a victim in a previous incident.
The initial arrest occurred on August 4, 2024, at the woman's residence in Oslo. Hoiby is accused of causing bodily harm, which could result in a maximum one-year imprisonment. The victim was treated for a concussion and discharged from the hospital the next day.
Authorities have expanded their investigation, now suspecting Hoiby of offenses against three additional individuals. These allegations include domestic abuse of two women and threats against another person. Hoiby has denied all accusations through his legal representative.
Hoiby's lawyer, Oyvind Bratlien, expressed strong disagreement with the arrest, stating:
"In my 17 years as a defence lawyer, I have never experienced or heard of an arrest on such a flimsy factual and legal basis."
Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Despite his connection to the royal family, Hoiby has never held a royal title. In 2017, at the age of 20, he chose to step back from public life to maintain privacy.
Norway, a constitutional monarchy with King Harald V as the current monarch since 1991, is known for its relatively informal approach to royalty. The country, with a population of approximately 5.4 million, consistently ranks as one of the happiest nations globally, boasting a strong welfare system and high living standards.
While the Norwegian royal family grapples with this personal matter, the country continues to be recognized for its progressive policies. Norway leads in electric vehicle adoption and maintains a unique "right to roam" concept, allowing public access to nature. The nation's capital, Oslo, annually hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, reflecting Norway's commitment to global peace initiatives.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this situation highlights the complex intersection of private lives and public figures in modern monarchies. The case continues to draw attention both domestically and internationally, underscoring the challenges faced by royal families in maintaining privacy while under public scrutiny.