New media storm for the Norwegian royal family. Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Mette-Marit’s eldest son, finds himself in the spotlight again, this time accused of sexual assault. These charges add to a long history of legal disputes, particularly over domestic violence and various crimes. After several arrests, he is now suspected of sexually assaulting a young woman, fueling a series of scandals that have already badly tarnished his image. The royal family, long considered a model of discretion and respectability, is once again faced with a crisis that is shaking its image. But really who is Marius Borg Høiby?
Pas de sang « royal »
Born in 1997 from his mother’s relationship with Morten Borg, Marius was adopted into the royal family when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. At just 4 years old at the time, he quickly became a familiar face to millions of Norwegians , especially during the royal wedding that fascinated the entire country. His blond face and angelic smile have made him a favorite of the monarchy, even if he is not officially in the line of succession.
Little Marius grew up together with his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus in Skaugum, within the royal residence. However, we are far from the cliché of Princess Cinderella rejected by her stepmother’s family: Marius Borg is loved and welcomed with affection by the royal family. It’s just that it’s difficult to live with the pressure of the media. He is nicknamed the “almost prince”, and despite having no official role within the family, he grows up in the media spotlight.
All of Marius Borg’s social media accounts have been set to “private” since the start of his troubles with the Norwegian justice system.-Instagram screenshot
A quick trip to the University of California
Once he finished high school, Marius Borg decided to move to the United States. There he enrolled at the prestigious University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and had to study economics. But just a year later, in early 2018, he gave up and finally returned to Norway to be with his family.
Although he has never held an official royal position, he has attracted attention for his relationships with models and influencers, and for his life of partying and going out. This slightly rebellious side of him meant that he was followed regularly by the Norwegian tabloids, interested in his every move. Marius has always cultivated his status as an outsider, on the margins of royal commitments, but his private life has become the subject of incessant speculation.
2023: the year of autumn
Despite some media popularity gained during his childhood, his reputation took a dramatic turn. In August 2023 he was arrested after being accused of domestic violence against a woman. Recognizing that he had acted under the influence of alcohol and drugs, he was banned from having any contact with the victim. But this story is actually just the beginning of a series of scandals. Revelations are multiplying about the parties he organizes in the royal residence in the absence of his parents or about the thefts of precious objects that he is said to have committed.
On November 18, 2024, Marius was arrested again, this time on even more serious charges: he is suspected of sexual assault on a young woman, a case that exacerbated his already delicate situation. Today, in prison, investigations into the actions of the “almost prince” continue. The Norwegian royal family, so proud of its image of respectability and discretion, once again finds itself facing a profound crisis. Marius, long perceived as an “almost prince”, today embodies the outsider who has become a source of scandal.
What challenges does the Norwegian royal family face in managing public perception amid scandals?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Royal Family Expert Dr. Ingrid Larsen
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Larsen. The Norwegian royal family has recently found itself in a media whirlwind due to the allegations against Marius Borg Høiby. Can you help us understand the background of this situation?
Dr. Larsen: Thank you for having me. Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Mette-Marit’s eldest son, has indeed been in the public eye for some time, but these latest allegations have escalated the scrutiny. His past encounters with the law, including arrests related to domestic violence and various other issues, have now culminated in serious allegations of sexual assault. It poses a significant challenge not just for him, but for the entire royal family, which has traditionally been seen as a model of decorum.
Editor: Marius was adopted into the royal family at a young age. How has this influenced his public perception?
Dr. Larsen: Growing up as the son of Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, Marius was thrust into an environment filled with expectations. He’s often affectionately referred to as the ”almost prince,” surrounded by royal duties and public attention without holding an official royal title himself. This unique position is both a privilege and a burden, especially under intense media scrutiny. Sadly, while he was initially embraced with warmth, the pressures of fame can be destructive, as we’ve seen.
Editor: It’s interesting you mention the pressures of media. Given the royal family’s reputation for discretion, how do you think they will navigate this scandal?
Dr. Larsen: Indeed, the royal family’s reputation is at stake. Historically, they’ve handled crises with a degree of privacy and respectability. However, the relentless nature of social media and 24-hour news cycles makes it challenging. They’ll likely follow a carefully crafted strategy, encouraging Marius to seek help while possibly distancing the family from his actions to protect their image. It’s a delicate balance of showing support without compromising their integrity.
Editor: This situation has also resulted in Marius making his social media accounts private. Does this indicate an attempt to control the narrative?
Dr. Larsen: Absolutely! By making his accounts private, Marius likely aims to shield himself from further public scrutiny and avoid sensationalized media coverage. It’s a strategic attempt to regain some control over his image during a tumultuous time. Young people, especially those who have grown up under the spotlight, often struggle with how to manage their online presence, especially under such gaze.
Editor: Marius’s time abroad, specifically at UCLA, is noteworthy. Do you think this experiences shaped his outlook or contributed to his current situation?
Dr. Larsen: Marius’s decision to study in the U.S. shows a desire for independence and perhaps to escape the pressures of royal life in Norway. However, moving back after a year may reveal a conflict within him—seeking a normal life while being tied to royal responsibilities. Such transitions can be challenging, and for someone already facing personal issues, it can exacerbate existing tensions.
Editor: what does the future hold for Marius and the Norwegian royal family?
Dr. Larsen: This scandal undeniably places Marius at a pivotal crossroads. Depending on how he addresses these allegations, engages with rehabilitation, and reconciles his identity within the royal family, his future could dramatically change. For the royal family, their handling of this crisis will be crucial in shaping not only their legacy but also public perception in the years to come.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Larsen, for your insights. This situation will certainly be one to watch as it unfolds.
Dr. Larsen: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going, particularly about the impact of media scrutiny on young individuals in positions similar to Marius’s.