Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has publicly admitted to assaulting his girlfriend while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. In a statement released through his lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, the 27-year-old acknowledged his actions, stating, “Last week something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument.”
Borg Høiby, who stepped down from royal duties seven years ago, also revealed his ongoing struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. “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,” he said.
Despite initially denying the allegations, Borg Høiby’s recent statement has been described by his lawyer as “an admission of guilt” to the preliminary charges. He was previously held in custody for 30 hours following his arrest on charges of causing bodily harm and criminal damage.
The incident occurred at an apartment in Frogner, Oslo, and Borg Høiby reportedly threatened his girlfriend during a phone call from Skaugum Castle, the royal family’s residence. The assault and subsequent media coverage have placed significant pressure on the Norwegian royal family, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit postponing her trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris to support her son.
Borg Høiby apologized for his actions, stating, “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.” He also expressed remorse for the impact on his family, acknowledging that his actions had “greatly affected” the Norwegian royals.
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