Son of Norway's crown princess suspected of rape, police say

Source:BBC News

Son of Norway's crown Prince's suspected of rape, police say

By Acquah Hayfron Newlove June 28 2025

🔹 Who is Marius Borg Høiby?

Born in 1997, he is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, from a previous relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon.

He holds no royal title and does not undertake royal duties. Still, due to his family connections, his actions inevitably impact the public image of the Norwegian Royal Family.

According to the Oslo Police:

Høiby was arrested three times in 2024 (August, September, November).

After a 10-month investigation, the case has been referred to prosecutors for a possible indictment.

He is suspected off:

Three counts of rape

Four counts of sexually offensive behaviour

One count of abuse in a close relationship

Two counts of bodily harm

23 other offences in total

Some allegations have been dropped due to the statute of limitations or lack of sufficient evidence

🔹 Current Legal Status

Not charged yet: Prosecutors will now decide whether to proceed with formal charges.

Cooperative but denies guilt: His lawyer says he is cooperating but denies most charges, particularly the sexual abuse and violence accusations.

The police claim the investigation included:

Multiple interrogations

Witness interviews

Digital evidence reviews

Searches

The double-digit number of victims suggests a complex, large-scale case.

🔹 Legal Implication

Norway follows strict due process, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If prosecutors decide to charge and Høiby is convicted, he could face severe penalties under Norwegian law.

However, some charges may not be prosecuted due to time limits or insufficient proof — a common challenge in sexual offence cases

🔹 Royal and Public Repercussions

The Royal House has distanced itself, stating this is a private legal matter.

Still, it could cause:

Reputational damage to the royal family.

Media scrutiny over how they handle crises involving relatives.

Questions about privilege, accountability, and transparency.

Even without formal charges, such accusations can tarnish public trust, especially in a constitutional monarchy where the royal family is held to high ethical standards.

🔹 Public Reaction & Broader Issues

This case may spark discussions in Norway around:

Violence against women

Sexual abuse accountability

The influence of power and proximity to royalty

It could also lead to calls for greater openness from royal institutions when dealing with controversies.

Source:BBC News

Brad Pitt's Los Angeles home 'ransacked', police say

1. Victim and Context

Victim: While not officially confirmed by LAPD, multiple sources and address records indicate the home belongs to Brad Pitt, an Oscar-winning actor.

Location: Los Feliz, Los Angeles, near Griffith Park and the Hollywood Sign—an upscale, often celebrity-populated neighborhood.

Property Description: A large three-bedroom home, shielded from public view by fencing and greenery.

2. Circumstantial Details

Brad Pitt’s Whereabouts: At the time of the burglary, Pitt was in the UK for the London premiere of his new film, F1, accompanied by Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.

Items Stolen: Not disclosed. Police did not reveal what was taken or its value.

Damage: The term "ransacked" suggests the home was thoroughly searched and likely damaged, though no specific property damage has been details

3. Broader Context

Pattern of Crimes:

This burglary is not an isolated case. It follows a trend of celebrity-targeted crimes in Los Angeles.

Other recent victims include Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.

A separate incident occurred last month involving Pitt’s ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, when a man was arrested for stalking and vandalism after ramming his vehicle into her gate

4. Implications

Security Concerns: The breach, despite high-profile security measures, underscores rising concerns about celebrity safety and home security, especially when public schedules (e.g., movie premieres) reveal when celebrities are away.

Law Enforcement Challenges: The lack of details about suspects or recovered items suggests an ongoing investigation with limited leads released to the public.

Public Fascination and Media Scrutiny: High-profile cases like this one typically receive intense media coverage, potentially affecting how investigations are managed and how celebrities adjust their public presence or travel announcements.

5. Possible Motivations

Targeted Theft: The burglars may have known the house belonged to a celebrity and anticipated valuable items.

Opportunity Crime: The timing—during a known absence—suggests the break-in may have been carefully planned using publicly available information.

6. Next Steps

For Authorities: Continue investigating surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and potential resale of stolen items.

For Brad Pitt and Other Celebrities: Likely to increase security measures or consider disclosing travel plans less publicly.

For the Public: Raises awareness about the balance between public celebrity life and private safety.

Source:BBC News

A third of Pacific island nation applies for Australian climate change visa

Thousands of Tuvaluans Apply for Groundbreaking Climate Visa to Australia

More than a third of Tuvalu’s population has entered a ballot for a world-first climate visa, offering a rare pathway to permanent migration in response to climate change threats.

The visa programme, launched on 16 June, grants only 280 places annually through a random draw. However, interest has far exceeded expectations, with 1,124 applications already submitted—representing 4,052 people when family members are included. Tuvalu has a total population of just 10,643, based on its 2022 census.

This initiative is part of the new Pacific Engagement Visa, which provides successful applicants with indefinite permanent residency in Australia. Recipients will also gain access to key benefits such as Medicare, childcare support, and subsidised education, from primary schools to universities.

Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific nation with much of its land just five metres above sea level, is among the most climate-vulnerable

countries globally. Rising sea levels could render most of its territory uninhabitable by 2050, according to NASA projections.

The visa scheme forms part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, announced in August 2024. Under the agreement, Australia has pledged to support Tuvalu in times of natural disaster, health crises, and military threats, while also recognising the nation’s sovereignty even in the face of severe climate impacts.

Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo hailed the agreement, stating: “For the first time, a country has made a legal commitment to uphold Tuvalu’s statehood and sovereignty, regardless of the effects of rising seas.”

The ballot for the 2025 visa intake closes on 18 July, with an entry fee of A$25.