Crown Princess Mette-Marit could be questioned by police over son's alleged domestic abuse

Norway's future Queen could be called in for questioning by police following the arrest of her son Marius Borg Høiby over the alleged domestic abuse of two former girlfriends.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is currently on sick leave from her official duties due to complications from medication used to treat chronic lung disease, a condition the 51-year-old was diagnosed with in 2018.

She is expected back at work on Wednesday and the Royal Household has not responded to reports in Norwegian media about her son.

READ MORE: William and Harry fight for viewers in separate documentaries

Høiby was first arrested on August 4 and charged with causing bodily harm and damaging property during an first arrested on August 4 inside her Oslo apartment.

About 10 days later he admitted to the allegations and apologised to the royal family in a statement.

Høiby was served with a restraining order, which expires in March next year.

He was arrested again on Friday September 13 after allegedly violating a restraining order and contacting a former girlfriend he admitted assaulting.

Charges against Høiby were then expanded to include the alleged domestic abuse of two former girlfriends, Juliane Snekkestad and Nora Haukland.

The 27-year-old is now facing six years in prison after being accused of making threats against four women.

READ MORE: Prince Albert and daughter honour late Princess Grace in New York

In total, the charges relate to his most recent ex-girlfriend involved in the August 4 attack, Snekkestad, Haukland and threats against a fourth person who has not been named.

Now, a lawyer representing Snekkestad, Petter J. Grødem, said he has asked police in Oslo to question Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

"I have sent the Oslo Police District a formal request to summon Crown Princess Mette-Marit for questioning," Grødem told Aftenposten.

"We believe it is only natural that we get her explanation now. I think it would actually be unnatural if she doesn't answer questions from the police.

READ MORE: What it is really like covering a royal tour

"An explanation from the Crown Princess will, in my opinion, shed new light on the case against her son."

The alleged violence against Snekkestad is said to have occurred over a period of around four years while the two were dating. The relationship ended in March, 2022.

Høiby's lawyer, Øyvind Bratlien, previously said his client was fighting some of the charges levelled against him, including pleading not guilty to the alleged mistreatment of Snekkestad and Haukland.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001.

He was officially recognised as a member of the royal family by King Harald before the wedding but never received a royal title.

Over the years Høiby has attended many family and official events with the Norwegian royals, including his younger sister who is heir after her father, before stepping back from public life in 2017.

Two months ago, sweeping changes were made to the website belonging to Norway's monarchy after a number of scandals hit the royal family.

Two of its most controversial figures were removed from the site under the category listing those who are officially part of the royal family.

That includes Høiby and Princess Märtha Louise, who recently married Shaman Durek Verrett.

The new site appears to reflect a slimmed-down monarchy.