Norway Crown Princess's Son Arrested on Rape, Drug Charges Before Trial

• Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on Sunday evening ahead of his trial.
• He faces 38 counts, including four alleged rapes, violence against former partners, death threats, traffic violations, and transporting 3.5 kg of marijuana.
• Høiby denies charges of sexual abuse and most violence allegations; his lawyers were unreachable for comment.
• Crown Prince Haakon stated Høiby is not part of the royal house and will not comment on the trial, emphasizing Høiby's rights as a citizen.
• The case, along with renewed scrutiny on Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, has cast a shadow on the royal family's image.

Why It Matters: Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces serious charges, adding to royal family's controversies.