Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit shared never-before-seen photos to mark their silver wedding anniversary on Tuesday – including a rare picture of Marius Borg Høiby.
The Norwegian royal couple is celebrating 25 years of marriage after tying the knot at Oslo Cathedral on 25 August 2001.
To mark the occasion, they opened their family album to share a series of unseen throwback pictures from their 2001 honeymoon to Long Island in the US.
In the fourth picture, Marius, then aged four, was seen on the Crown Prince’s shoulders as they swam in the sea.
The now-disgraced royal relative, who is from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, was convicted of rape during a high-profile trial that concluded earlier this year, so it’s perhaps unexpected to see him in an official post by the royal house.
The milestone comes as Norway’s King Harald, 89, remains in the National Hospital amid growing fears for his “deteriorating” health.
Marius Borg Høiby’s high-profile trial
Marius, 29, was found guilty of two counts of rape in June and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Marius, who joined the court session via video link, had pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations, including those of rape.
He has been under house arrest at Skaugum since July, with his appeal currently working its way through the Norwegian courts.
Haakon told NRK previously: “It has been challenging and difficult for everyone.”
“For our part, we will continue to carry out our duties. Everyone involved in the case has found it challenging and difficult.”
Before Marius’ sentencing in June, Haakon and Mette-Marit were pictured visiting him in custody.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the trial, Haakon emphasised that his thoughts were with the victims, adding of his stepson: “We love him, of course, he’s an important part of our family.”
Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit celebrate their silver wedding anniversary
The Crown Prince couple celebrated their anniversary on Tuesday with a newly released photo from the royal house showing them standing together in a garden.
The caption read: “Congratulations on the silver wedding anniversary of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!”
© Det kongelige hoffThe couple also shared more personal photos from their 2001 honeymoon on Long Island in a second post captioned “grateful”. They were pictured on early holidays during their marriage, showing off their wedding rings, and taking selfies.
During their 2001 honeymoon, the 9/11 attacks took place in New York City.
Upon arriving back in Oslo, Norway’s heir to the throne and his wife said: “We felt shock and disbelief at the tragedy that unfolded while we were in the USA. Our thoughts have first and foremost been with the victims and their relatives.”
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