Introduction

In a disturbing turn of events, Marius Borg Høiby, the 27-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing accusations of a second rape just days after being arrested for a similar offense. This recent allegation has sent shockwaves throughout the royal family and the Norwegian public.

Details of the Case

During a detention hearing at the Oslo District Court on Wednesday, police prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski disclosed that the Oslo Police District requested custody for Høiby for an additional two weeks stemming from the new rape allegation. “The reason for this request is that we have uncovered another rape case overnight and this morning. This was identified in the investigative material,” a statement from Oslo police revealed.

Investigations indicate that the second alleged incident involved sexual activity, excluding intercourse, with a woman deemed incapable of resisting. The police emphasized, 'This means we are now investigating two rape cases involving Marius Borg Høiby.' In Norway, such offenses carry severe penalties, with a maximum prison term of ten years according to the penal code.

Defensive Statements

Defending his client, Høiby's lawyer Øyvind Bratlien asserted that his client admits to one incident of bodily harm towards his former girlfriend and some property damage but denies any involvement in the other allegations. 'For the other circumstances, he does not admit criminal guilt,' Bratlien confirmed.

Initial Arrest

Marius was first taken into custody on Monday night based on suspicions relating to 'sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons is unable to resist the act.' Initially, the focus was on a sexual act that did not involve intercourse against a victim reported to be unable to resist.

Victims and Legal Representation

The first alleged victim, a woman in her twenties who was a stranger to Høiby prior to the incident, has retained legal representation. Her lawyer, Hege Salomon, stated that she was not in any relationship with Høiby.

Family Response

Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby's uncle, addressed the media, expressing the profound impact these serious allegations have had on everyone connected to Høiby. 'Today, we are of course thinking of all those affected,' he remarked, while urging respect for the police and judicial system to conduct their investigations thoroughly.

Conclusion

Born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, Marius Høiby is positioned outside the line of royal succession, yet his high-profile background brings added scrutiny to these troubling allegations. The unfolding case is being closely monitored in Norway, as the ramifications of the charges could resonate beyond just Høiby himself, affecting the royal family and the broader public perception of Norwegian royalty. The coming weeks are crucial, as more details emerge from the investigations, warranting a careful watch on this developing story.