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Police in Norway have arrested the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette Marit just before his criminal trial is set to begin.
Authorities detained Marius Borg Hoiby on Sunday evening in Oslo. Police accuse him of assault, making knife threats, and breaking a restraining order. Prosecutors have asked the court to hold him for four weeks. They say he may commit further offences if released.
Hoiby will appear before the Oslo District Court on Tuesday.
Serious Criminal Charges Filed
Prosecutors have filed 38 charges against Hoiby. These include rape, domestic abuse, violent assault, death threats, traffic offences, and drug related crimes.
The case focuses on four alleged rapes that reportedly took place between 2018 and November 2024. Investigators also accuse him of abusing former partners and repeatedly ignoring a court ordered restraining order.
Police arrested Hoiby several times in 2024. Prosecutors formally charged him in August. Until his latest arrest, the court allowed him to remain free while awaiting trial.
Defense Denies Allegations
Hoiby lawyers say he denies all sexual abuse claims. He also rejects most of the violence related charges. His legal team says he will challenge the accusations during the trial.
Royal Family Addresses the Case
The trial has drawn renewed attention to Crown Princess Mette Marit. This follows the release of new documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Norwegian media reports say the documents mention the crown princess many times. They also confirm she stayed at an Epstein owned property in Florida in 2013.
In a public statement, she admitted the contact was a mistake. She expressed regret and sympathy for Epstein victims.
Crown Prince Haakon said the royal family will not attend the court hearings. He stressed that Hoiby holds no royal title. He added that the law applies to him like any other citizen.
Court Proceedings Underway
Judges will decide this week whether Hoiby remains in detention. The case has become one of the most closely watched legal proceedings involving Norway extended royal family.
