Norwegian scandal deepens as Crown Princess’ son arrested before trial, amid Epstein ties

The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess has been arrested, just before his trial opens on charges including rape in a case that has been an embarrassment to the royal family, police said on Monday.Marius Borg Hoiby was arrested on Sunday evening and is accused of assault, threats with a knife and violation of a restraining order, police said in a statement. They requested four weeks’ detention on grounds of risk of reoffending. His lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.On Tuesday, he is due to go on trial at the Oslo-district-court" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="23434" data-entity-type="organization">Oslo district court. The indictment includes 38 counts, including rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another and transporting 3.5kg (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Other charges include making death threats and traffic violations.Hoiby has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on various allegations of wrongdoing. He was indicted in August, but had been free pending trial until Sunday.Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon. He has no royal title or official duties.Marius Borg Hoiby (right) next to his mother, Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as they attend a garden party. Photo: AFPThe indictment centres on four alleged rapes between 2018 and November 2024; alleged violence and threats against a former partner between the summer of 2022 and autumn 2023; and two alleged acts of violence against a subsequent partner, along with violations of a restraining order.