The Norwegian Royal House has issued a statement that has had an immediate impact on Marius Borg, eldest son of Princess Mette-Marit. The note, sent by her press chief, comes after months of institutional silence regarding the legal proceedings Borg is facing for very serious crimes.
After nearly a year without making any statements, the Norwegian monarchy has explicitly distanced itself from the case. This institutional move once again brings an uncomfortable question into focus: to what extent should the monarchy be held accountable for the actions of a member who doesn't hold royal duties?
Marius Borg's record, a growing concern for the Norwegian monarchy
Marius Borg Høiby has for years been a figure removed from the official core of the royal family, although his emotional bond with the family is evident. As the son of Mette-Marit and brother of Princess Ingrid Alexandra, his presence at public events has always been occasional. However, his name has gained prominence for reasons that are not at all desirable.
On August 4, 2023, he was arrested by Norwegian police after allegedly assaulting his then partner. What was initially interpreted as an isolated incident has evolved into a complex investigation filled with accusations. In total, Marius is charged with 23 offenses ranging from physical assaults to rape and harassment.
During a press conference held in Oslo, authorities revealed the full contents of the case file. The investigation has concluded and the case is now in the hands of the State Prosecutor, who has 30 days to decide whether to formally press charges.
The Norwegian Royal House issues a firm message on Marius Borg's legal situation
In this context, the Royal House's statement was clear: neither support nor condemnation, only respect for the judicial process. The silence kept for nearly a year has been interpreted by many as a strategy to minimize institutional damage. Now, with the investigation's findings on the table, the Crown has chosen to send a firm and forceful message.
Sara Svanemyr, official spokesperson for the monarchy, stated bluntly: "The case is following the legal system and normal procedures. We have nothing to add." This brief and precise statement not only avoids interference but also draws a clear line between judicial matters and the institution.
The Royal House has adopted an approach with brief statements, public distance, and no involvement in the judicial process. This decision seeks to preserve institutional stability. However, public opinion continues to closely follow every move, knowing that any poorly measured word could have consequences.
So far, the only family member who has previously spoken about the matter has been Prince Haakon. In an interview, the Norwegian heir to the throne commented: "Marius is facing serious charges and responsibility lies with the judicial system. I trust they will do a good job."
Marius Borg's defense denies the most serious charges and claims cooperation
Despite the accusations, Marius's lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has stated that his client "doesn't plead guilty to the most serious charges" and "categorically denies the rape charges." According to the attorney, Marius has shown "a cooperative attitude" at all times and has been questioned up to 14 times since last May.
The defense insists that Borg is taking this matter with the utmost seriousness. "He takes it very seriously. He has cooperated very well with the police," Sekulic emphasized, trying to reinforce the idea that his client is not evading justice.
Meanwhile, the police attorney, Andreas Kruszewski, has stated that the investigation has been thorough. Authorities have analyzed digital materials obtained from his phone, home records, testimonies, and expert reports. "We have collected extensive material that is now in the hands of the prosecutor," he explained during the press conference.
Norwegian justice dismisses interrogating Princess Mette-Marit
One of the most delicate points of the process has been the request by the defense attorney of one of the alleged victims, who asked that Princess Mette-Marit testify as a witness. However, this request was dismissed by the Prosecutor's Office, which considered it unnecessary.
According to authorities, the words of the accused's mother could provide little information for the case. In this regard, it was recalled that the Criminal Procedure Act allows the Prosecutor's Office to assess whether the testimony of certain witnesses is relevant. This decision has so far avoided even greater exposure of the royal family to an already very delicate matter.
In addition, no other member of the royal family has been called to testify. This further reinforces the strategy of keeping a barrier between the institutional and the familial. The priority is to protect the monarchy's image without interfering in the judicial process.
All this indicates that the Norwegian Royal House has chosen a firm and distant stance regarding the legal proceedings faced by Marius Borg, son of Princess Mette-Marit. With a brief statement, it has made clear that it trusts the judicial system. Now, the eyes of Norway and Europe are on what the prosecutor will decide in the coming days.