AceShowbiz - Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has finally spoken out about the arrest of his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, in connection with an incident involving a woman in her 20s. Addressing Norwegian press for the first time since the event, the Crown Prince described it as "a serious matter when the police are involved in the way they are," although he refrained from delving into case specifics.

While Haakon is attending the Paris Olympics, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 50, remained in Norway. According to Se og Hør, Marius, 27, was detained for over 30 hours and is now facing preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage. According to police reports, he assaulted the woman, leading to her hospitalization with a concussion. The accused, however, has denied providing any statement on his lawyer's advice.

The legal backdrop for these charges states that preliminary charges are issued at the point of arrest in Norway. If convicted of bodily harm, Marius could face up to one year in prison, while grievous bodily harm carries a heavier penalty of up to six years. Oslo Police have confirmed that there was a relationship between Marius and the victim.

Despite the compounding drama, Crown Prince Haakon continues to support Norway's athletes at the Olympics. He was seen cheering at events such as the women's kayak 500-meter semifinals and beach volleyball. On why he is alone in Paris, the Crown Prince told reporters, "In our family, as in all families, it is sometimes important to be there. This time it was me who went while she stayed at home."

Marius, who is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship, stepped away from public life in 2017 to pursue studies in California. In a heartfelt open letter, Mette-Marit emphasized that "Marius has always had a role that has been difficult to define in the public sphere. He is and will be an exceptionally important part of our family."

His absence from official duties stands in contrast to his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, who are both in line for the throne. The Norwegian palace had earlier confirmed Mette-Marit's postponement of her trip to Paris, confirming she would "temporarily postpone" her departure.

The timing of the family crisis coincides with an upcoming royal wedding, where Princess Martha Louise, Haakon's sister, is set to marry American "shaman" Durek Verrett. As the royal family is gearing up for the event slated for August 31, the community and the press alike will be watching closely as the royals navigate through these sensitive moments.