Marius Hoiby, the 27-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, was arrested on Monday in Oslo on multiple charges, including rape and abuse.
Police in the capital confirmed the arrest, with the charge relating to “sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons is unable to resist the act.”
Alongside this charge, Hoiby faces additional accusations of “abuse in close relationships,” breaching a restraining order, and driving without a valid driver’s licence, NBC News reports.
The charges stem from an ongoing inquiry into alleged abuse involving four women.
The Royal Palace has declined to comment on the matter, referring all inquiries to law enforcement and Hoiby’s defence team.
His attorney, Oyvind Bratlien, confirmed that his client denies the rape accusation but is cooperating with authorities.
The arrest followed a series of troubling incidents involving Hoiby.
In August, he was involved in a violent altercation in Oslo’s Frogner district, where he admitted to bodily harm and property damage. He also pleaded guilty to issuing a death threat in a separate case.
Hoiby’s arrest came after a violent incident earlier this year in which he apologised for his actions, attributing them to a combination of alcohol and drug use during an argument.
He also acknowledged mental health struggles, pledging to seek treatment.
While not officially part of the Norwegian royal family, Hoiby has been a public figure in the royal circle since his mother’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001.
He has attended royal events and lived on royal property with his family.
Despite past media appearances, including a feature in Vogue and roles in Norwegian television, Hoiby’s recent controversies have overshadowed his public persona.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Hoiby’s legal future will depend on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.