OSLO, June 28 (TNF): Norwegian authorities have charged Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, with rape and sexual assault. The charges follow a long investigation that has put the royal family under public scrutiny.
Borg Hoiby, 28, is the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. Police began investigating him after several arrests last year. His first arrest was in August for bodily harm and property damage. Police arrested him again in September and November on rape suspicions.
Police said they interviewed witnesses and reviewed digital evidence. They confirmed that Borg Hoiby faced questioning several times since the investigation started in autumn.
His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, said Borg Hoiby denies most of the charges, especially those linked to sexual violence. Sekulic added that his client has cooperated fully and hopes the evidence will clear his name.
Borg Hoiby holds no royal title or official role. He was four when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. His half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, are next in line to the throne.
The charges include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, and four counts of sexual misconduct. He also faces charges for domestic assault, property damage, restraining order violations, and harassing a police officer.
After his first arrest last August, Borg Hoiby apologized on national TV. He admitted to causing harm and damage during a drunken incident involving alcohol and cocaine. He said he regretted his actions and planned to seek help for substance abuse.
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