The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess has been arrested over new criminal allegations ahead of a trial on charges including rape.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was detained on Sunday on suspicion of causing bodily harm, wielding a knife and violating a restraining order.
Following the latest accusations, police said that they would seek permission from a judge to keep Hoiby in their custody for the next four weeks.
Hoiby, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was free but awaiting trial on four counts of rape, as well as domestic violence, assault and drug possession, among other crimes.
He could face charges from the latest allegations on top of the 38 counts he already faces. They include rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, acts of violence against another and transporting 3.5kg (7.7lbs) of cannabis, as well as making death threats and traffic violations.
His lawyer has declined to comment on the new accusations.
Hoiby does not admit criminal guilt for the charges of rape and domestic violence, but has admitted to some lesser crimes, and plans to give a detailed explanation in court, his lawyer previously said.
His trial is due to last until 19 March.
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Hoiby has been under scrutiny since 2024, when police named him as a suspect of physical assault against a woman with whom he had been in a relationship.
In a statement to the media at the time, Hoiby admitted to causing bodily harm to the woman while he was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, and to damaging her apartment, saying he regretted his acts.
Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, and the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon.
He is outside the line of royal succession, and has no title.
Last week, the crown prince said the royal house does not intend to comment during the proceedings.
The trial is opening just as Hoiby’s mother faces renewed scrutiny over her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein following the latest release of documents in the US.
