Marius Borg, son of Mette-Marit of Norway, accused by police of three rapes and twenty other crimes

BarcelonaThe Norwegian monarchy is experiencing one of its lowest moments after Marius Borg, son of Princess Mette-Marit, was charged with 23 crimes, three of them rape, according to police, who closed the investigation into the case. In response to these serious accusations, the Nordic royal family has issued a brief statement: "The case is following the legal system and normal procedures. We have nothing further to add."

Hoiby, the product of a relationship between Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon prior to her marriage, is charged with one case of rape, two cases of rape without intercourse, and four cases of offensive sexual behavior, in a list that also includes threats, vandalism, abuse, and trafficking offenses. Other possible crimes, such as abuse in an intimate relationship against one of his ex-girlfriends, have been closed due to lack of evidence. The young man admits to crimes of violence against a woman and threats against a man, but not rape.

"It was an extensive investigation that included the analysis of extensive digital material and in which many witnesses were questioned," said Andreas Kruszewski, a police lawyer, at a press conference. He will now send the case to the State Prosecutor's Office to decide on possible formal charges.

Mette-Marit's son has been arrested three times so far after being detained for several hours last August following an incident at an ex-girlfriend's apartment. His house, located on the same property where the crown princes live, was searched by police. Shortly after his first arrest, the 28-year-old admitted to having problems with alcohol and other drugs.

At that time, his stepfather, Prince Haakon of Norway, did comment on the events and stressed that it was "a serious matter." For her part, the young man's mother admitted that last year was "very hard" and that the entire family received "professional help" from the healthcare system.