Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The son of the future Queen of Norway, Marius Borg Høiby, once addressed some of the charges held against him after returning from a London rehab clinic.
This week, it was announced that Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, had been charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, following a year-long investigation by police.
Other charges include domestic abuse, violence, disturbing the peace, vandalism and violation of restraining orders against a former partner.
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The 28-year-old has reportedly denied the most serious accusations against him, including those of rape and domestic violence.
Høiby, who has no royal title or official duties, has been under investigation since his arrest on 4 August 2024 on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend.
In a public statement 10 days after his arrest, Høiby claimed he had acted 'under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument', having suffered from 'mental troubles' and struggling 'for a long time with substance abuse'.
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According to Se og Hør, Høiby spent more than 30 hours in police custody on that day following an 'incident in an apartment'.
The woman in question was later diagnosed with a concussion after being admitted to hospital.
Høiby's lawyer at the time, Oyvind Braitlin, shared in a statement with Norwegian outlet NRK at the time: "Last weekend something happened that should never have happened.
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"I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.
"I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. I will now resume this treatment and take it very seriously."
The statement continued: "The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police.
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"For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards. Being pursued by photographers and journalists at a time like this I know has been tough to stand in."
He concluded the statement, saying: "I also want to apologise to my family. I know that my actions have greatly affected you. So to you my love, I'm sorry. This should never have happened and I take full responsibility for my actions."
Following the most recent charges, according to Reuters, Crown Prince Haakon said the family would do their best to carry out duties as normal.
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"We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do," he said. "Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult."
"It is for the courts to consider this matter and reach a decision. We have no further comment," the royal court previously told Tyla in a statement.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: World News, News, Crime, Police
Rhiannon Ingle