Vital member of popular royal family admits to cocaine and alcohol struggles after shock arrest: ‘I have several mental disorders’

The Norwegian royal family is currently under the microscope after Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son was arrested when ‘a night of alcohol and cocaine’ allegedly ended in violence and destruction.

The popular princess’ eldest, common-born son, Marius Borg Høiby, was first arrested on August 4 after he was reported for violence, threats and vandalism.

He has since been arrested over further claims which include death threats and harassment as well as a breach of a restraining order.

The 27-year-old released a statement on his arrest via his lawyer Braitlin, which was shared with Norwegian outlet NRK, where he admits to struggling with drugs and mental health.

‘I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. I will now resume this treatment and take it very seriously,’ he said.

He said he wanted to be ‘responsible for what he had done’ and ‘explain himself truthfully to police’.

‘Something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument,’ he said.

According to Oslo police two former girlfriends have also pressed charges against the future King of Norway’s step-son.

The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway are close with Queen Mary and King Frederik

‘The charge against Høiby has been extended. As of now, there are four victims in the case. The Oslo police district is investigating the case with high priority,’ a statement from police read.

‘For the victim in the incident at Frogner, the charges have been extended to also include reckless behavior and breach of a restraining order, in addition to one further case of bodily harm from earlier.’

‘For victim Juliane Snekkestad and victim Nora Haukland, the charges each include a case of abuse in close relationships.’

Høiby is also charged with threats directed at a further person. The report in this case has been created by the police.  

He spent 30 hours in police custody after the original altercation on 4th August, and local media claimed to have photos that showed a knife stuck in the wall of the apartment.

The popular princess’ eldest, common-born son, Marius Borg Høiby was first arrested on August 4 after he was reported for violence, threats and vandalism

Høiby is no stranger to scandal and ‘walked away’ from official royal duties at 20 following a string of scandals.

His mother appeared to skip her trip to the Paris Olympics to stay with her son, who she had before she married into the royal family.

She has previously described her first-born son as a ‘vital member’ of the family.

‘He has always had a public role that has been very difficult to define,’ she added.

While Crown Prince Haakon told media it is a serious matter but he would not be going into the details of the case.

It is ‘unusual’ for someone in the royal family to be involved in a scandal like this, experts claim 

Høiby is no stranger to scandal and ‘walked away’ from official royal duties at 20 following a string of scandals

Høiby was on a hunting trip with friends when he was arrested for allegedly breaking the restraining order on one of his victims.

Danish lawyer Mette Grith Stage spoke to tabloid B.T about the case and said it is unusual for members of any royal family to be involved with such matters.

‘It is clear that if this continues, it may become relevant to remand, as it is the only way to keep him at bay.’