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Norwegian Crown Princess’s Son Faces Trial on Multiple Charges, Including Rape
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, pleaded not guilty to rape charges as his trial began Tuesday in Oslo district court. Høiby, who has no royal title or official duties, is facing 38 counts including rape, assault, death threats, and drug offenses.
The case has drawn significant attention in Norway and internationally, casting a shadow over the normally popular royal family. Prosecutors emphasized during the opening proceedings that despite his royal connections, Høiby would be treated like any other defendant.
“There is equality before the law,” prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø told the court. “The defendant is the son of the crown princess. He is part of the royal family. He shall nevertheless be treated in the same way as any other person who is charged with the same offenses.”
Wearing glasses and a brown sweater, Høiby denied the most serious accusations, including four counts of rape. However, he did plead guilty to several driving offenses, an aggravated drug charge involving 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, and breaking a restraining order. He also admitted “partly” to threats and aggravated assault.
The investigation began earlier this year after police were called to an incident at an upscale apartment in Oslo’s Frogner neighborhood. While initially released, the case expanded as multiple women came forward with allegations spanning from 2018 to 2024.
The prosecution’s case centers on four alleged rapes, violence and threats against one former partner between 2022 and 2023, and acts of violence against another partner. Høiby was free awaiting trial until Sunday, when authorities arrested him over new allegations of assault, threats with a knife, and violation of a restraining order.
Defense attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs argued that the intense public scrutiny has already affected the case, describing it as a “tsunami of publicity” that has made Høiby feel he was “losing control of his life.”
“Like everyone else, he is innocent until proven guilty. The verdict will be pronounced in this courtroom and not anywhere else,” she stated. “It is only you who will decide this.”
The trial, scheduled to run until March 19, is expected to include testimony from seven accusers. One victim’s attorney, Hege Salomon, noted her client is “very scared” about potential public exposure and had not initiated the case herself but was contacted by police and decided to cooperate.
The timing of the trial coincides with another royal controversy. Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces renewed scrutiny over her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein following the release of documents showing she borrowed Epstein’s Palm Beach property in 2013. Mette-Marit has acknowledged this contact, stating: “It is simply embarrassing… I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly.”
Neither Mette-Marit nor Crown Prince Haakon plan to attend the trial. The royal house has indicated it will not comment during the proceedings, maintaining distance from a case that could significantly impact public perception of the monarchy.
If convicted, prosecutors have stated that Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison. The judge has ordered some witness testimony to be heard behind closed doors and prohibited recording or photographing in the courtroom, reflecting the sensitive nature of the proceedings.
The case represents a particularly challenging moment for Norway’s royal family, which has generally enjoyed high approval ratings under 88-year-old King Harald. As the trial unfolds in the coming weeks, it will likely continue to draw international attention and scrutiny to one of Europe’s more respected monarchies.
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16 Comments
This is a sensitive situation, but the transparency and equal treatment under the law are positive. I hope the trial is conducted fairly and without undue influence from the defendant’s royal ties.
Me too. The public interest in this case is understandable, but the focus should remain on the legal process and the pursuit of justice, not celebrity or royal status.
The charges against the crown princess’s son are very serious, and it’s good to see the prosecutors emphasizing that he will be treated the same as any other defendant. Equality before the law is a fundamental principle that must be upheld, even in cases involving the royal family.
Exactly. The royal family should not be above the law, and it’s encouraging to see the legal system handling this case impartially.
This case involving the Norwegian royal family is certainly a sensitive and high-profile one, but the prosecutors’ emphasis on equal treatment under the law is commendable. Upholding the principles of justice and due process is essential, regardless of one’s social status or family ties.
I agree. The legal system must operate impartially and without undue influence, even in cases that involve prominent public figures. Maintaining the integrity of the judicial process is key to ensuring public trust.
The charges against the crown princess’s son are concerning, but it’s reassuring to see that the prosecutors are committed to treating him the same as any other defendant. Maintaining the integrity of the legal system is crucial, especially in high-profile cases like this.
Absolutely. The royal family should not be above the law, and it’s important that the trial is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, without any special considerations due to the defendant’s royal connections.
While the royal ties add an extra layer of complexity, it’s reassuring that the defendant is being treated the same as any other person charged with similar offenses. Maintaining the integrity of the legal system is paramount in high-profile cases like this.
I agree. The royal connection may draw more attention, but the focus should remain on the facts of the case and the application of the law.
The charges against the crown princess’s son are very serious. I’m glad the prosecutors are taking a firm stance and not granting any special treatment due to his royal connections. It’s critical that the justice system operates impartially.
Absolutely. Upholding the rule of law and due process is essential, regardless of one’s social status or family ties.
This is a high-profile case that will likely draw a lot of attention, but it’s important that the legal process remains focused on the evidence and the application of the law, not on the defendant’s royal connections. Equality before the law is essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
I agree. The prosecutors are taking the right approach by emphasizing that the defendant will be treated the same as any other person facing similar charges, regardless of his royal ties.
Interesting case involving the Norwegian royal family. It’s good to see the prosecutors emphasizing that the defendant will be treated the same as any other person charged with these types of offenses, regardless of his royal connections. Equality before the law is important.
Agreed. The royal family should not receive special treatment, and it’s reassuring that the legal process is being handled impartially.