Marius Borg, the son that Princess Mette-Marit had before her marriage to Prince Haakon, is awaiting trial. Borg has 32 charges against him, including several counts of rape involving multiple women. While awaiting his court date, Borg has suffered his first major legal setback.
Borg tried to legally block the release of a book about his life, but the judge denied his request. The unauthorized biography makes various explosive claims, including accusing him of selling cocaine, a charge that his lawyers deny. Despite the court's decision, Borg is reportedly considering appealing the court’s decision.
The Oslo District Court ruled against Borg, confirming that the book "White Lines, Black Sheep" will remain on sale. According to the newspaper Dagbladet, he will not only have to pay court costs (around $4,637 ) but also an additional $53,332 to the publisher Aschehoug and the Norwegian Publishers Association within two weeks.
The court’s ruling states that the book is of social interest and that freedom of expression is protected. “We note that the court agrees with us that the claim about cocaine sales is extremely offensive and lacks sufficient factual basis, and that there are doubts about the legality of using his image on the book cover. Nonetheless, the court considers that the book should not be withdrawn from circulation," said Borg's lawyer, Elias Christensen.
Another significant development is the fact that the royal family is taking a step back. The head of communications for the Norwegian Royal Family spoke with the publication Se og Hør, stating that legal costs and damages “will not be covered by the Royal Family, and neither the Palace nor the Crown Prince and Princess will pay for this expenditure.”
His Struggles with Addiction
"White Lines, Black Sheep" was written by Torgeir P. Krokfjord, a journalist for Dagbladet, and Øistein Monsen, who also previously worked for the same publication. The book has various anonymous sources and alleges that Borg sold drugs in 2023. Borg has denied these claims but has shared that he struggles with addiction.
Since its release last October, the book has caused a stir among the public. While Borg and his legal team believe it's riddled with falsehoods, the book will continue to be available for anyone who's interested in the ongoing Royal Scandal that's plaguing the House of Glücksburg.