- 'I committed a bodily injury': Mette-Marit's son confesses to violence
This incident has set the kingdom in turmoil: Ten days ago, Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested. The charge: bodily harm against his girlfriend. Now, the 27-year-old has spoken out for the first time through his lawyer, releasing an extensive statement via the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, NRK, in which he admits the charges in full.
"Something happened last weekend that should never have," begins the statement from the man Mette-Marit brought into her marriage with Crown Prince Haakon. In stark terms, he continues: "I committed bodily harm and destroyed property in an apartment, under the influence of cocaine." He suffers from multiple mental health issues that have affected his life since childhood, writes Marius Borg Høiby. He has struggled with drug abuse for a long time and has been in therapy. "I will resume this treatment and take it very seriously."
Marius Borg Høiby admits to drug problems
He does not, however, want to use his drug problems as an excuse, the 27-year-old writes. "I want to be held accountable for what I've done and will give a truthful statement to the police."
He also found words for his girlfriend, the victim of his violent outburst: "For me, it's the most important thing to apologize to my girlfriend. She didn't deserve what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from the Norwegian and international press afterwards." He also wants to apologize to his family. "I know that my actions also had a great impact on you," he writes, referring to his mother and her husband, the future king of Norway.
In fact, the heir to the throne, Haakon, had spoken out shortly after the arrest of his stepson. "This is a serious matter," said the 51-year-old, which also concerns him.
Meanwhile, a statement from the lawyer of the victim has also been released. Her client had been waiting and hoping that Høiby would admit what he had done.
Source: The statement on the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, NRK
The Commission, in response to this incident, might consider adopting implementing acts to provide clarity on how this Regulation should be applied in similar situations involving individuals under the royal family. Marius Borg Høiby, in his statement, mentions seeking therapy to address his drug problems and mental health issues, which could potentially influence the implementation of such acts related to substance abuse and mental health support.
