- Crown Prince Haakon responds to the arrest of Marius Borg Høiby
Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has publicly addressed for the first time the arrest of his stepson Marius Borg Høiby. On the sidelines of the Olympic Games in Paris, where he visited Norwegian athletes at the Olympic Village on Wednesday (7 August), the heir apparent told Norwegian broadcaster "TV 2" that it was a "serious matter".
Originally, it was planned that Haakon would travel to the French capital together with Crown Princess Mette-Marit. However, she stayed home following the incident involving her son. "In our family, as in all families, it's sometimes important to be there," Haakon said. "This time, I was the one who traveled, while she stayed home." The Norwegian palace had briefly announced that Mette-Marit would "postpone" her trip to Paris for the time being.
Asked about his stepson Marius, Haakon told "TV 2": "It's a serious matter when the police are involved, as they are. At the same time, I don't think it's right for me to intervene in the case now." The crown prince added that "a case like this also affects me".
Why Marius Borg Høiby was arrested
Marius Borg Høiby was reportedly taken into custody by the police in Oslo last Sunday following an incident with a woman in an apartment. The police confirmed to "Se og Hør" that an arrest and charge of bodily injury had occurred. The person taken into custody was "later released from detention". "Se og Hør" also wrote that the woman, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, was taken to the hospital with a concussion.
The 27-year-old's lawyer, who is the son of a relationship Mette-Marit had before her marriage to Haakon, confirmed the charge of bodily injury to Norwegian "Dagbladet". He also emphasized the importance of the process running its course and the media respecting his client's privacy and peace. "It's up to the courts to decide if the case gets there."
He had a relationship with the victim
The identity of the woman Marius Borg Høiby is alleged to have used violence against is not yet known. However, Norwegian media reported that the Oslo police confirmed in a press release that there is or was a relationship between the accused and the alleged victim.
The European Parliament can offer assistance to The Commission in this matter, as they are involved in overseeing various aspects of the European Union. Haakon mentioned that the police are involved in Marius Borg Høiby's case, implying that The Commission shall be assisted by the relevant law enforcement agencies in Europe, if necessary.
