A late-night confrontation at a Norwegian royal estate has taken a dramatic turn after police charged a man accused of forcing his way into the home of Queen Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, while he was under house arrest.
Høiby, 29, was reportedly confronted by a stranger who began pounding and kicking at his front door shortly before midnight on November 5, leading into Friday, November 6. The incident unfolded at a home on the royal family’s Skaugum estate, where Høiby is confined while appealing his convictions for rape and other offenses.
According to Norwegian media reports, the confrontation escalated when Høiby opened the door and the unidentified man allegedly shoved him before pushing his way inside.
Høiby reportedly managed to force the intruder back outside and contacted authorities. Officers from Norway’s Police Security Service responded shortly afterward and detained the man near the property.
The situation initially ended without criminal charges, but investigators subsequently opened a case examining possible assault and unlawful entry.
On Tuesday, November 10, Norwegian police confirmed that the man, who is in his 30s, had been formally charged in connection with the confrontation. Authorities also imposed a three-month restraining order prohibiting him from approaching Høiby.
The incident has raised fresh questions about security surrounding Norway’s royal family, particularly because the home where Høiby is staying sits outside the designated security perimeter protecting the main royal residence.
Adding another unusual twist, Norwegian newspaper VG reported that the suspect allegedly told authorities he had traveled to the area intending to visit Høiby’s half-sister, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is first in line to the Norwegian throne.
The man reportedly traveled from northern Norway and carried several letters. Police have not publicly established whether his reported interest in the crown princess was connected to the confrontation at Høiby’s residence.
VG also reported that the suspect had previous convictions involving violence. Authorities have not publicly identified him.
Høiby’s defense attorney, Alexander Greaker, described the encounter as deeply unsettling, emphasizing that everyone should be able to feel secure inside their own home. The lawyer also confirmed that Høiby was questioned by investigators as the alleged victim.
The confrontation comes during an already turbulent period for Norway’s royal family.
In June, Høiby was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape and other offenses, including assault and abuse in a close relationship. He has denied the rape allegations and is appealing parts of the verdict.
Since July, he has been confined to a residence at Skaugum under electronic monitoring while awaiting further legal proceedings. An appeals court recently ruled that he must remain under those restrictions.
Høiby is Queen Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship and the stepson of King Haakon VIII. Although raised within the royal family, he does not hold a royal title or perform official royal duties.
His legal troubles have attracted intense attention in Norway, placing the monarchy under an uncomfortable public spotlight during a historic transition. King Haakon ascended the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V, on August 28.
Despite his legal restrictions, Høiby received special permission to attend King Harald’s funeral in September.
The Norwegian royal family has previously emphasized that Høiby is responsible for his own legal affairs and must be treated under the same laws as other citizens.
The latest incident has now created an extraordinary situation in which Høiby, himself convicted of serious crimes and awaiting an appeal, is the alleged victim in a separate criminal investigation.
Police have not publicly disclosed a motive for the suspected break-in, and the charges against the alleged intruder have not been proven in court.
Discover more from Red News Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Høiby appears to be their poster boy for what a member of the royal family shouldn’t be. He’s lucky somebody hasn’t done more than shove him around a bit.