Marius Borg Høiby News & Current Events Part 1: December 2023 -

[Queen Claude]

Petter Grødem, Juliane Snekkestad's attorney, states that it is "very unusual for the police to refuse"* a request to question a witness. He states that "[the] prosecution has assessed it as not necessary"*.

My question is how usual is it to request that the mother of the accused be questioned? Juliane Snekkestad and Marius were together for four years, he has probably spent more time with her than anyone else during his adult years, presumably she knows quite a bit about Marius' adult comings and goings. Did her attorney request that others be questioned... his/hers/their friends, co-workers/business associates, drug dealers, gangsters, and so forth? ETA: I would not be surprised if a name or two was given, but again given the length of the relationship, quite the list could be assembled.

Yeah it is not far-fetched that Mette-Marit has information that "may shed new light on the case against her son"* but will anything she adds result in any new charges being filed? significantly increase the odds of convictions on charges already filed? To me the result would have been that the media would have had a field day over the mere fact that the Crown Princess of Norway will be questioned in a case involving numerous charges including sex crimes. If the questioning happens, then the media will then have additional field days when the tabloids start publishing the information their moles in law enforcement feed them. Questioning Mette-Marit will definitely benefit the media, I am less convinced that it will serve justice.

* English translation of article

 

[Toledo]

Marius has become a problem that won't go away but escalate as the years go by. When Haakon takes over, he will still be an adult clinging to his mom's account with no serious job prospects to move past these claims. How do you make a grown man turn around his life of vices, violence and questionable company? He seems not even concerned to make progress on what is he going to do to be independent.

 

[Somebody]

Petter Grødem, Juliane Snekkestad's attorney, states that it is "very unusual for the police to refuse"* a request to question a witness. He states that "[the] prosecution has assessed it as not necessary"*.

My question is how usual is it to request that the mother of the accused be questioned? Juliane Snekkestad and Marius were together for four years, he has probably spent more time with her than anyone else during his adult years, presumably she knows quite a bit about Marius' adult comings and goings. Did her attorney request that others be questioned... his/hers/their friends, co-workers/business associates, drug dealers, gangsters, and so forth? ETA: I would not be surprised if a name or two was given, but again given the length of the relationship, quite the list could be assembled.

Yeah it is not far-fetched that Mette-Marit has information that "may shed new light on the case against her son"* but will anything she adds result in any new charges being filed? significantly increase the odds of convictions on charges already filed? To me the result would have been that the media would have had a field day over the mere fact that the Crown Princess of Norway will be questioned in a case involving numerous charges including sex crimes. If the questioning happens, then the media will then have additional field days when the tabloids start publishing the information their moles in law enforcement feed them. Questioning Mette-Marit will definitely benefit the media, I am less convinced that it will serve justice.

* English translation of article

Juliane informed Mette Marit of the issues with Marius and no clear response was given. So, yes, she might be able to provide relevant information on if they acted on the information received or that Marius was left unchecked and could continue his harmful way without any intervention. However, it seems she is being protected -from being questioned- because of her position as crown princess.

 

[Muhler]

I suppose one could get the feeling that the police are investigating as little as they can get away with.

I'm far from certain that's a sound approach in regards to the reputation of the NRF, because Marius getting off lightly will not change a thing. On the contrary, he will, IMO, at least continue the way he is acting now, more likely he will do something worse. Why shouldn't he? Marius is right; The police is protecting him.

So when, not if, Marius re-offends again-again and/or seriously harm someone (I should think a drug-rape was serious enough harm, but that's just me) what will happen to the reputation of the NRF then?

I think that a police investigation into the doings of NRF members will leave the reputation of the NRF in tatters, but that's recoverable - royals too are after all only humans. But the NRF getting obvious preferential treatment and justice seen not to be served, that I believe is more difficult to recover from, especially of Marius re-offends.

I think it would be wiser in the long run if MM in particular voluntarily agreed to be questioned by the police. She is after all not obliged to tell the police everything, nor is she obliged to incriminate herself. That would at least leave the impression that all are equal before the law.
This pussyfooting by the police leaves an opposite impression.

 

[hereditarytitles]

I suppose one could get the feeling that the police are investigating as little as they can get away with.

I'm far from certain that's a sound approach in regards to the reputation of the NRF, because Marius getting off lightly will not change a thing. On the contrary, he will, IMO, at least continue the way he is acting now, more likely he will do something worse. Why shouldn't he? Marius is right; The police is protecting him.

So when, not if, Marius re-offends again-again and/or seriously harm someone (I should think a drug-rape was serious enough harm, but that's just me) what will happen to the reputation of the NRF then?

I think that a police investigation into the doings of NRF members will leave the reputation of the NRF in tatters, but that's recoverable - royals too are after all only humans. But the NRF getting obvious preferential treatment and justice seen not to be served, that I believe is more difficult to recover from, especially of Marius re-offends.

I think it would be wiser in the long run if MM in particular voluntarily agreed to be questioned by the police. She is after all not obliged to tell the police everything, nor is she obliged to incriminate herself. That would at least leave the impression that all are equal before the law.
This pussyfooting by the police leaves an opposite impression.

I agree to your points, and I am getting that creepy feeling, that some people with much influence in "higher circles" have intervened. That is such a strange development of things. I got the impression that the police was eager to prosecute and they did. And what is happening right now? The opposite if maybe even nothing

Marius is in rehab, is he really? I am not sure, no statement at all from NRF, we just get news from newspapers and lawyers. It looks like all involved are working on a new strategy. No further prosecution, no statements by the NRF ( if they had been any at all) no information about consequences from the family what measures are planned for Marius. Instead they are doing business as usual. Sorry, but I thought it strange that a beaming Mette together with her daughter at official duties, which didn't convince me at all.

"The preferential treatment and justice" as you mentioned is a scandal IMO, and if that is really so, I loose all respect for the entire NRF. We are not living in the Middle Ages anymore where royals could do whatever they wanted, mistreated and even killed people.

As a mother I can understand the hurt, the sorrow and the instinct of protecting your child which MM must feel. But this, IMO is just going too far, even as a protecting mother. She must also see how her son has hurt other people especially young vulnerable women, and that is something I could never forgive my son and would do something about it.
Everyday newspapers in Germany report about it, not only the tabloids but even other papers who rarely report about royals. Are they not aware of the reputation they are losing in the world? Don't they have advisors, private ones or some in their political circles, what about a press office that would act as a speaker for them?

 

[kalnel]

I suppose one could get the feeling that the police are investigating as little as they can get away with.

I'm far from certain that's a sound approach in regards to the reputation of the NRF, because Marius getting off lightly will not change a thing. On the contrary, he will, IMO, at least continue the way he is acting now, more likely he will do something worse. Why shouldn't he? Marius is right; The police is protecting him.

So when, not if, Marius re-offends again-again and/or seriously harm someone (I should think a drug-rape was serious enough harm, but that's just me) what will happen to the reputation of the NRF then?

I think that a police investigation into the doings of NRF members will leave the reputation of the NRF in tatters, but that's recoverable - royals too are after all only humans. But the NRF getting obvious preferential treatment and justice seen not to be served, that I believe is more difficult to recover from, especially of Marius re-offends.

I think it would be wiser in the long run if MM in particular voluntarily agreed to be questioned by the police. She is after all not obliged to tell the police everything, nor is she obliged to incriminate herself. That would at least leave the impression that all are equal before the law.
This pussyfooting by the police leaves an opposite impression.

While I agree with you in terms of Marius and the need for justice, the NRF would be crazy to allow Mette-Marit testify. There's way too much chance that she could inadvertently incriminate herself or somehow implicate Haakon in this mess. That would open a huge debate about how much immunity she has (or should have), which could destabilize the monarchy.

Even a simple question about what she did at Marius' house before the first arrest could open her to charges of obstruction of justice. Same if she (and/or Haakon) became aware of a crime and never reported it.

It would also create a precedent for delving into the NRF's family matters. The allegations against Marius are a public matter, of course, but she could be asked about how other family members live, what their finances are, and so on.

Even worse, it could open the door to requiring members of the royal house to testify about their dealings with other parts of the government. Today it might be "what did you learn from the police before the arrest," while tomorrow it could be, "So, Your Majesty, what did the Prime Minister tell you in that private meeting?"

 

[Lori138]

Our local paper as well has had a couple of stories regarding Marius. So the story seems to be world wide and not just limited to Norway and the Scandinavian countries.

 

[Somebody]

While I agree with you in terms of Marius and the need for justice, the NRF would be crazy to allow Mette-Marit testify. There's way too much chance that she could inadvertently incriminate herself or somehow implicate Haakon in this mess. That would open a huge debate about how much immunity she has (or should have), which could destabilize the monarchy.

Even a simple question about what she did at Marius' house before the first arrest could open her to charges of obstruction of justice. Same if she (and/or Haakon) became aware of a crime and never reported it.

It would also create a precedent for delving into the NRF's family matters. The allegations against Marius are a public matter, of course, but she could be asked about how other family members live, what their finances are, and so on.

Even worse, it could open the door to requiring members of the royal house to testify about their dealings with other parts of the government. Today it might be "what did you learn from the police before the arrest," while tomorrow it could be, "So, Your Majesty, what did the Prime Minister tell you in that private meeting?"

I don't see how a questioning in this very specific case involving her son's behavior that warranted a police investigation would lead to random questioning about the functioning of the monarchy. And if MM would be obstructing justice (as has been implicated), shouldn't that come to light?

I agree with those that consider preferential treatment/non-justice to be much more destabilizing for the monarchy than bringing Marius to justice even if that involves his mother.

 

[kalnel]

I don't see how a questioning in this very specific case involving her son's behavior that warranted a police investigation would lead to random questioning about the functioning of the monarchy. And if MM would be obstructing justice (as has been implicated), shouldn't that come to light?

I agree with those that consider preferential treatment/non-justice to be much more destabilizing for the monarchy than bringing Marius to justice even if that involves his mother.

I didn't say it would lead to "random questioning about the functioning of the monarchy." But it could open the door to questions about how the family lives and what their private lives are like. Further, it creates a precedent for calling members of the royal house to court, which would create a terrible mess.

Since Mette-Marit apparently has immunity from prosecution, I'm not sure it would be productive for that to play out in court. It only creates uncertainty about the monarchy.

As far as "preferential treatment/non-justice," we don't know that there has been any preferential treatment. The police are pursuing this aggressively, even contacting women who didn't know they'd been assaulted, and they've jailed Marius three times now. While the fact that he's back out on the street seem odd to many of us, we don't know if this is typical of how the Norwegian police pursue such cases or not. I don't think I've read a single suggestion from any of the attorneys suggesting that Marius is getting preferential treatment, apart from his attorney suggesting he is being unfairly targeted.

 

[hereditarytitles]

I have a question about "Immunity". What does it actually mean in practice? Do all royals and diplomats have "immunity", does it mean that they can do whatever they want and don't get charged? Maybe it takes an expert in international law to explain it.

There are laws in Germany that close relatives like parents or children have the right to deny being questioned as witness. Maybe that is the case with Mette too. If that is the law in Norway, so it is. But nobody mentioned it before, the fact, that she could deny to be questioned. Instead they say it is not necessary to question her.

A little off topic, but related to the "immunity" issue:

I remember that a few years ago, a severe accident with a SUV happened where I live, several people were severely hurt, 7 cars were damaged.
The police found out the accident was caused by a royal member of some rich Arab country, Kuwait, Bahrain or Dubai.
What happened? Nothing... he had immunity and no police and court investigation followed. I tried to follow that case in our local newspapers, and just recently I read, the guy went back to his home country and the case was closed. Seems that law and justice doesn't apply to every person. Some people are still more protected than others.

 

[Muhler]

I didn't say it would lead to "random questioning about the functioning of the monarchy." But it could open the door to questions about how the family lives and what their private lives are like. Further, it creates a precedent for calling members of the royal house to court, which would create a terrible mess.

Since Mette-Marit apparently has immunity from prosecution, I'm not sure it would be productive for that to play out in court. It only creates uncertainty about the monarchy.

As far as "preferential treatment/non-justice," we don't know that there has been any preferential treatment. The police are pursuing this aggressively, even contacting women who didn't know they'd been assaulted, and they've jailed Marius three times now. While the fact that he's back out on the street seem odd to many of us, we don't know if this is typical of how the Norwegian police pursue such cases or not. I don't think I've read a single suggestion from any of the attorneys suggesting that Marius is getting preferential treatment, apart from his attorney suggesting he is being unfairly targeted.

Oh the police may very well be trying their very best to nail Marius. - With what they got and can use, that is. I just get the distinct feeling that when the investigation points to directly involving other members of the NRF in the investigation, then the police seems to hold back and not pursue the investigation with the vigor it could and should be.
And that I think is more potentially damaging than merely questioning MM or even Haakon for that matter.

If we look at it from a damage control perspective, there really isn't that much MM can, or perhaps rather will, contribute with that can incriminate Marius more. But it will at least leave the impression that the NRF is actively and willingly co-operating with the police.
Of course MM would be accompanied by a lawyer and I doubt the police is going to grill the Crown Princess, who isn't (officially) suspected of any wrong doing. MM is not obliged to say anything, she is not obliged to incriminate herself, she is not even obliged to tell the truth to the police.
For example: Yes, I went to Marius house to make sure he did meet up with the police and to check on him as a concerned mother. The place was a mess! So while Marius was having a shower I admittedly couldn't help tidying the place up a little bit.
I don't know anything about his phone.
- You see my point? She would be telling the truth while giving the impression of co-operating with the police. - And even in the worst case scenario that MM really did do something she shouldn't, she wouldn't have said too much.
Surely that's a questioning any reasonably competent lawyer could handle with ease. And the NRF would have access to the very best.

And as for Snekkestad contacting her: Yeah she did contact me, she didn't quite seem herself though and she never followed up with what she said, so admittedly I didn't do more about it.
- Again, something that can be deflected by simply telling a truth.

My examples serves to illustrate that active damage control is possible.

I have a question about "Immunity". What does it actually mean in practice? Do all royals and diplomats have "immunity", does it mean that they can do whatever they want and don't get charged? Maybe it takes an expert in international law to explain it.

There are laws in Germany that close relatives like parents or children have the right to deny being questioned as witness. Maybe that is the case with Mette too. If that is the law in Norway, so it is. But nobody mentioned it before, the fact, that she could deny to be questioned. Instead they say it is not necessary to question her.

A little off topic, but related to the "immunity" issue:

I remember that a few years ago, a severe accident with a SUV happened where I live, several people were severely hurt, 7 cars were damaged.
The police found out the accident was caused by a royal member of some rich Arab country, Kuwait, Bahrain or Dubai.
What happened? Nothing... he had immunity and no police and court investigation followed. I tried to follow that case in our local newspapers, and just recently I read, the guy went back to his home country and the case was closed. Seems that law and justice doesn't apply to every person. Some people are still more protected than others.

Yes, diplomats have immunity in order to protect them from harassment and from being framed and jailed.
They can however be detained and then released into the custody of their ambassador and they can also be arrested, even shot, if they commit a serious enough crime, say start shooting at random.
Back in the 80s in London someone form the Libyan embassy fired shots at demonstrators and that get very close to the embassy being stormed by the British. IIRC the guy who fired the shots was eventually identified but nothing happened to him.

ADDED: If a diplomat commits a crime, the normal procedure, at least among friendly nations, ought to be that the diplomat in question is prosecuted at home for that crime.
And most embassies also pay speeding and parking tickets, simply out of decency.

In Norway, like the rest of Scandinavia, very close relatives are not obliged to testify against each other in court. Husband and wife, parent and child. It has to be very close relatives though.

 

[polyesco]

Sorry if this has been posted before, article on Mette-Marit and Marius flights to London

"Here Mette-Marit travels to London – her son came after
OSLO AIRPORT (TV 2): A few hours after Marius Borg Høiby (27) was released, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (51) boarded a plane. Høiby later followed."

Her reiser Mette-Marit til London - sønnen kom etter

OSLO LUFTHAVN (TV 2): Få timer etter at Marius Borg Høiby (27) var løslatt, gikk kronprinsesse Mette-Marit (51) om bord på et fly. Senere fulgte Høiby etter.

www.tv2.no

 

[tommy100]

Ah nice trick to fly out on separate flights. (..)

 

[kalnel]

They're really scraping the bottle of the barrel to keep the story alive this week with Marius in rehab. (Or did he come out already? I've lost track.)

I noticed the comment about Mette-Marit canceling an engagement, apparently to fly to London, and the palace referring the media to the press release about her scaling back engagements because of her lung condition. They're really playing with fire if they start blaming her health when other factors are in play.

 

[hereditarytitles]

Sorry if this has been posted before, article on Mette-Marit and Marius flights to London

"Here Mette-Marit travels to London – her son came after
OSLO AIRPORT (TV 2): A few hours after Marius Borg Høiby (27) was released, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (51) boarded a plane. Høiby later followed."

Her reiser Mette-Marit til London - sønnen kom etter

OSLO LUFTHAVN (TV 2): Få timer etter at Marius Borg Høiby (27) var løslatt, gikk kronprinsesse Mette-Marit (51) om bord på et fly. Senere fulgte Høiby etter.

www.tv2.no

This video is dated November 27, that is three weeks ago. Can anyone remember when the first flight to London happened? I assume that Marius finally is in a clinic or rehab in a country we don't know about for 3 weeks, if this is the same one in London where he shortly was, nobody knows.
We can only hope that he is staying there as long as it is needed, and doesn't come back before being "clean". Maybe that is the reason why all charges have been dropped at the moment, which doesn't necessarily mean that they will be dropped forever.
I really would have wished that the NRF or a spokesperson would have made a statement about the situation, without going into details. It would for the time being at least ended all press speculation for a while. I cannot understand why they didn't.

 

[polyesco]

This video is dated November 27, that is three weeks ago. Can anyone remember when the first flight to London happened? I assume that Marius finally is in a clinic or rehab in a country we don't know about for 3 weeks, if this is the same one in London where he shortly was, nobody knows.
We can only hope that he is staying there as long as it is needed, and doesn't come back before being "clean". Maybe that is the reason why all charges have been dropped at the moment, which doesn't necessarily mean that they will be dropped forever.
I really would have wished that the NRF or a spokesperson would have made a statement about the situation, without going into details. It would for the time being at least ended all press speculation for a while. I cannot understand why they didn't.

The "first" trip to London was November 7-8. Haakon canceled an event and missed a State Council.

Uteble fra oppdrag: - Private årsaker

Kronprinsen skal ifølge NRK ha trukket seg fra offisielle oppdrag i siste liten.

www.seher.no

Marius was then spotted in Olso shortly after.

 

[hereditarytitles]

Thanks for the reminder, with all those confusing news what happened I am sometimes losing track.

 

[Queen Claude]

Juliane informed Mette Marit of the issues with Marius and no clear response was given. So, yes, she might be able to provide relevant information on if they acted on the information received or that Marius was left unchecked and could continue his harmful way without any intervention. However, it seems she is being protected -from being questioned- because of her position as crown princess.

Juliane went to the police, she was assigned an advocate, she was interviewed by authorities and Marius was then charged with abuse in close relationship against Juliane. Up until the rape charges, this charge was the most serious and carried the highest penalty. It would be one thing if Juliane was not believed and she stated that she informed Mette-Marit and wanted her questioned to corroborate her story, but the fact is that Juliane was believed and charges filed, the most serious charge to date.

Mette-Marit corroborating that she was informed about Marius violent tendencies and failed to take action is not "relevant" to the police and prosecutors building a criminal case against her son Marius. Arguments have been made that if she comes forward,* it may be beneficial because she may be able to explain some things and also give the impression that she is not aiding and abetting her son, I am not so sure about that, but even if, for the sake of argument, an operation could be put in place to redeem her, or alternatively, bring to light that she is truly an awful person, if that is what floats your boat, those things are "relevant" in terms of PR for the monarchy, clicks for tabloids, Haakon and Mette-Marit's fitness as royals and so forth. The Norwegian law enforcement who are involved in investigating and prosecuting Marius are not obligated to provide tabloids, monarchists, anti-monarchists, royal watchers, etc. fodder for their respective agendas and/or desires for information.

I am not seeing where Mette-Marit's position is protecting her or Marius. I have no sympathy for Marius and the advantage his affiliation with the Norwegian Royal Family provides is that Haakon is probably paying for his top defense attorney, but then that is countervailed by the fact that his crimes and misdeeds are world-wide news. As heinous as the crimes are that he is accused of, the perpetrators of similar crimes are processed through the justice system anonymously.

*For the record Mette-Marit has not been asked to come forward, so what is she supposed to do, cajole Harald into issuing a royal edict that she be hauled downtown for questioning? Now if that happens, the most important question becomes, will she call her friend Gwyneth Paltrow and ask for tips on what to wear to her meeting with Norway's finest?

 

[tommy100]

MM should surely answer what she "tidied up" in his house after his arrest. How else can the police be sure she didn't "accidentally" tidy away anything that could have been used as evidence e.g. drug paraphernalia etc. The simple truth is - we don't know what she did and neither do the police, until they ask her. Which they aren't. Yes there is likely a strong enough case against Marius without MM needing to be questioned but I'm struggling to think that is how the Norwegian police operate - "oh we could ask this person X Y Z to strengthen our case but we won't" Doesn't seem likely, unless of course it is the Crown Princess you want to question.

(..)

 

[Lady Daly]

Last week I posted here #1924 that Marius would never be brought to trial. This thread just keeps running in circles getting nowhere. I don't know how law enforcement will dismiss the original charges stemming from August 4 but I stand by my initial opinion, Marius will never be brought to court unless he commits new felonies.

 

[kalnel]

MM should surely answer what she "tidied up" in his house after his arrest. How else can the police be sure she didn't "accidentally" tidy away anything that could have been used as evidence e.g. drug paraphernalia etc. The simple truth is - we don't know what she did and neither do the police, until they ask her. Which they aren't. Yes there is likely a strong enough case against Marius without MM needing to be questioned but I'm struggling to think that is how the Norwegian police operate - "oh we could ask this person X Y Z to strengthen our case but we won't" Doesn't seem likely, unless of course it is the Crown Princess you want to question.

(..)

Mette-Marit doesn't have to answer for anything because she isn't accused of anything. If the police believed she intentionally destroyed evidence, they could investigate her, but since she has immunity, there's no point. They'd be wasting their time and public funds, and it wouldn't get them any closer to the higher priority of convicting Marius.

 

[Muhler]

Mette-Marit doesn't have to answer for anything because she isn't accused of anything. If the police believed she intentionally destroyed evidence, they could investigate her, but since she has immunity, there's no point. They'd be wasting their time and public funds, and it wouldn't get them any closer to the higher priority of convicting Marius.

And that's the cardinal point.
"There is no point, because she has immunity" is IMO way more damaging to MM and the rest of the NRF's reputation than MM admitting to doing XYZ out of misplaced concern for her son. - MM trying to protect her son, however unwise and misguided it is, would be something people can relate to and understand and perhaps forgive.
But MM not "helping the police with their investigation" because of her immunity will likely be interpreted as her probably being guilty of "something" and as people can freely speculate about what that "something" is, it will never go away. And it's "because she's royal and the NRF is above the law" etc. and that is IMO more damaging. It doesn't matter if MM is as innocent as Snowwhite (the old version...) if people have reason to believe she is not, the damage is worsened.

As has been pointed out, it is doubtful that the police can charge MM with anything, even if they really wanted to. It is even more doubtful MM would add anything to the police investigation. But the gesture of MM actively and of her own free will helping the police is important in the eyes of the public.

It's also a part of the NRF distancing (we may hope!) themselves as much as possible from Marius. Because Marius will re-offend, especially if he gets off lightly this time.
And the NRF has to think of damage control and plan for the future. It's not just about getting over the present crisis. It's just as much about dealing with future crisis regarding Marius, and if ML and her medicine man continue the way they do, they will have to be considered as well.

"it will be alright" and "it's just a bump on the road" and "we will overcome as a family" and "people will eventually forget" and the "press are simply blowing things out of proportion" and "we'll just refrain from commenting and ride out the storm" are excuses that are simply not good enough! In fact it's downright complacency.
Again, it can be boiled down to: Do something!

 

[kalnel]

And that's the cardinal point.
"There is no point, because she has immunity" is IMO way more damaging to MM and the rest of the NRF's reputation than MM admitting to doing XYZ out of misplaced concern for her son. - MM trying to protect her son, however unwise and misguided it is, would be something people can relate to and understand and perhaps forgive.
But MM not "helping the police with their investigation" because of her immunity will likely be interpreted as her probably being guilty of "something" and as people can freely speculate about what that "something" is, it will never go away. And it's "because she's royal and the NRF is above the law" etc. and that is IMO more damaging. It doesn't matter if MM is as innocent as Snowwhite (the old version...) if people have reason to believe she is not, the damage is worsened.

As has been pointed out, it is doubtful that the police can charge MM with anything, even if they really wanted to. It is even more doubtful MM would add anything to the police investigation. But the gesture of MM actively and of her own free will helping the police is important in the eyes of the public.

It's also a part of the NRF distancing (we may hope!) themselves as much as possible from Marius. Because Marius will re-offend, especially if he gets off lightly this time.
And the NRF has to think of damage control and plan for the future. It's not just about getting over the present crisis. It's just as much about dealing with future crisis regarding Marius, and if ML and her medicine man continue the way they do, they will have to be considered as well.

"it will be alright" and "it's just a bump on the road" and "we will overcome as a family" and "people will eventually forget" and the "press are simply blowing things out of proportion" and "we'll just refrain from commenting and ride out the storm" are excuses that are simply not good enough! In fact it's downright complacency.
Again, it can be boiled down to: Do something!

I see your point, but I have to disagree with you on this. There's nothing for the royal family to "do" right now that won't open them up to more criticism or future problems.

If they don't cut Marius off, some will complain that they're aiding a criminal. If they do cut him off, they'll look cold and heartless.

If they issue a statement about the situation that shows any support for Marius, people will say they're trying to influence the outcome. If they don't issue a statement, people will claim they're doing nothing and ignoring the victims.

If Mette-Marit testifies, people will claim she isn't telling the truth (or the whole truth), and if she doesn't testify, they'll say she's obstructing justice to protect her son.

The list goes on and on.

Right now, the only thing they can do to prepare for the future is find a better Mette-Marit strategy. This business where she's too sick to work Tuesday then jetting off to London for Marius on Wednesday is a disaster.

 

[Princess Merena]

Last week I posted here #1924 that Marius would never be brought to trial. This thread just keeps running in circles getting nowhere. I don't know how law enforcement will dismiss the original charges stemming from August 4 but I stand by my initial opinion, Marius will never be brought to court unless he commits new felonies.

I think this is a cultural difference between the Nordic countries and the USA for example. It is not unusual for the investigation to take this long especially if there are new accusations coming up. Even murder investigations can take quite long even if the police have the suspect in custody. I would not expect this case to reach the court until sometime next Spring at earliest.

 

[Annine]

Aftenposten writers that the investigation is nearing finnished

A recommendation from the Oslo police about a possible charge against Marius is not far away

The police's recommendation in the case is eventually sent to the public prosecutor, who decides whether to press charges. This process may take some time.

If an indictment is issued, it may be relevant to have a trial before the summer.

Opplysninger til Aftenposten: Høiby-etterforskning snart ferdig

Politiets etterforskning av Marius Borg Høiby nærmer seg slutten. Det får Aftenposten opplyst. Kronprinsessens sønn er siktet for blant annet to voldtekter uten samleie og for å ha mishandlet tre ekskjærester.

www.aftenposten.no

There are also many very high profile lawyers in this case and finding a time that suits them all will not be easy either.

 

[maria-olivia]

Lady Daily posted someting I like ! "This thread just keeps running in cercle getting no where."
Now it is Chrismas nothing will happen , may the mods close it until we have something officlal from Court and Royal Family.
Marius was not born Royal !

 

[blooms_rulers]

Lady Daily posted someting I like ! "This thread just keeps running in cercle getting no where."
Now it is Chrismas nothing will happen , may the mods close it until we have something officlal from Court and Royal Family.
Marius was not born Royal !

Or you can just put the thread on ignore and not receive updates. You’re not being forced to keep reading.

 

[LadyFinn]

Juliane Snekkestad was interrogated again today.
Marius has accused Juliane of violence. In the new interrogation she denies the allegations.
The interrogation ended on Wednesday afternoon, Juliane's lawyer Petter J. Grødem told Dagbladet.
- Here she has refuted all accusations from Høiby. She has been clear about it, he says.
Øyvind Bratlien says he was not familiar with the interrogation.
- But it was time for the police to take it seriously, he writes in an SMS to Dagbladet.

Snekkestad avhørt igjen

Marius Borg Høiby (27) har anklaget ekskjæresten Juliane Snekkestad (29) for vold. I et nytt politiavhør avviser hun påstandene.

www.dagbladet.no

Petter J. Grødem to VG.
– She has completely denied all accusations from Høiby. She has been crystal clear that it never happened. It has been important for her to comment on these accusations.

Juliane Snekkestad i nytt avhør: Avviser påstander om vold

Marius Borg Høiby har anklaget ekskjæresten for vold. I et nytt politiavhør avviser hun påstandene, opplyser hennes forsvarer.

www.vg.no

 

[kalnel]

I think this is a cultural difference between the Nordic countries and the USA for example. It is not unusual for the investigation to take this long especially if there are new accusations coming up. Even murder investigations can take quite long even if the police have the suspect in custody. I would not expect this case to reach the court until sometime next Spring at earliest.

Criminal trials don't actually happen that fast here in the United States -- everyone just has the impression cases move quickly from years of watching Law & Order, where everything resolves in an hour. Where I live, criminal cases must start within 180 days of the accused first appearing in court after charges are filed. The accused can seek to get the charges dismissed if the prosecution delays the trial without good reason. Last time I sat on a jury, the trial was about two years after the crime took place.

In Marius' case, I don't think they've even brought charges against him yet, have they? I bet you're right about next spring at the earliest. (If it ever goes to trial.)

Juliane Snekkestad was interrogated again today.
Marius has accused Juliane of violence. In the new interrogation she denies the allegations.
The interrogation ended on Wednesday afternoon, Juliane's lawyer Petter J. Grødem told Dagbladet.
- Here she has refuted all accusations from Høiby. She has been clear about it, he says.
Øyvind Bratlien says he was not familiar with the interrogation.
- But it was time for the police to take it seriously, he writes in an SMS to Dagbladet.

Snekkestad avhørt igjen

Marius Borg Høiby (27) har anklaget ekskjæresten Juliane Snekkestad (29) for vold. I et nytt politiavhør avviser hun påstandene.

www.dagbladet.no

Petter J. Grødem to VG.
– She has completely denied all accusations from Høiby. She has been crystal clear that it never happened. It has been important for her to comment on these accusations.

Juliane Snekkestad i nytt avhør: Avviser påstander om vold

Marius Borg Høiby har anklaget ekskjæresten for vold. I et nytt politiavhør avviser hun påstandene, opplyser hennes forsvarer.

www.vg.no

He says/she says. Not too compelling.

 

[polyesco]

"According to Aftenposten, Snekkestad wrote a text message to Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon in January 2023, in which she reportedly told about her experiences with Høiby."

If Juliane has this text message, it would push it past the he says/she says phase. This text message would have been before his August arrest that opened all these investigations.

But of course we cant ask the Crown Prince Couple if they received such a text.