The Norwegian royal family has spoken out about the abuse allegations against Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and revealed that they have sought “professional help” following what has been described as a “challenging year” for the family. Borg Hoiby, 27, was arrested in August after being charged with assaulting his former girlfriend and threatening to set her clothes on fire. The scandal, which has shaken the monarchy’s reputation, marked the first time a member of the Norwegian royal family has faced criminal charges.
Borg Hoiby admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend and destroying her apartment under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Following the incident, he was arrested twice more, and police are investigating further assault claims made by two other former girlfriends. In November, allegations surfaced that he had engaged in a sexual act without intercourse with someone “unable to resist the act.” He was taken into custody on preliminary charges, which he denied, before being released after a week. His lawyer confirmed that Borg Hoiby has sought treatment, which is reportedly taking place in London.
In an interview with NRK, Norway’s public broadcasting group, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who spoke on Christmas Day, described the past year as “challenging.” She said, “It has been a demanding year and a demanding autumn for us.” The royal family has chosen not to comment on Borg Hoiby’s current situation, with Crown Prince Haakon expressing a desire to give him space to resolve his issues. “We don’t want to say much more about it because we would like him to have space to find his own way,” he said.
The royal couple emphasized their ongoing support for their son and confirmed that they have been receiving help from the healthcare system. Mette-Marit added, “What we can say is that we have been receiving help, professional help, from the healthcare system for a long time. I don’t think we would have been able to be in a situation like this without having that help, together as a family, and at the same time fulfil our obligations to the Norwegian people.”
King Harald, who is 87, also spoke in the program, acknowledging the pain the family has experienced. “It’s hard that someone we love has experienced this, but now we must let the legal system work as it should,” he said. Queen Sonja, his wife, added, “But it’s clear that it’s taking its toll.”
The abuse allegations against Borg Hoiby appear to have affected public opinion about the monarchy, with support for the royal family slipping in recent years. A survey from Nettavisen, published last month, showed that only 27 percent of Norwegians believed that Mette-Marit was “very well-suited” to be queen, reflecting her continuing popularity struggles. Support for the royal family as a whole fell from 81 percent in 2017 to 62 percent in September, the lowest figure on record.
The turmoil surrounding Borg Hoiby is not the only factor contributing to the royal family’s strained public image. In August, Princess Martha Louise, Crown Prince Haakon’s sister, married Durek Verrett, a self-declared “sixth-generation shaman,” further attracting criticism. The year began with difficulties as well, when King Harald fell ill with an infection while traveling with Queen Sonja in Malaysia. His doctor reported that it was “a very serious matter” for someone nearing 90 years of age, leading Sonja to briefly wonder if she would need to return home alone.
Due to a dangerously low heartbeat, King Harald underwent surgery to have a permanent pacemaker inserted. Although his health remains frail, he has reduced his public appearances, from 431 in 2023 to 317 this year. However, King Harald has made it clear that he does not intend to step down from his duties.
