Norwegian royal family shocked by arrest of Crown Princess son

The case has become part of wider turmoil for the royal family, which is now facing renewed scrutiny over its role and judgement.

A senior political source said the arrest had left the institution “shocked to its core”, adding that the timing – on the eve of a televised trial – risked increasing public unease over the status of the monarchy.

The Norwegian royal family has tried to distance itself from the proceedings.

Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit will not attend the trial, nor will King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

Hoiby, who is not a formal member of the royal family, previously had a diplomatic passport that was revoked last year.

The monarchy is also dealing with the fallout from recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, which referenced Mette-Marit’s previous contact with the financier.

Last weekend she publicly apologized, saying she “deeply regrets” her “poor judgement” and adding: “It’s just shameful.”