The son of Norway’s Crown Princess, Mette-Marit, has appeared in court to face multiple criminal charges, including allegations of rape, in a case described as the most serious scandal involving the Norwegian royal family in more than a century.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, who was born from a relationship prior to the Crown Princess’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, is standing trial at the Oslo District Court on a total of 38 charges, some dating back to 2018.
The proceedings, which are expected to last until March 19, could see Høiby face a prison sentence of up to 16 years if convicted on the most serious counts.
Legal analysts and historians say the case marks an unprecedented moment for the Norwegian monarchy. Trond Noren Isaksen, a historian and expert on the royal family, described the situation as the most severe scandal in the institution’s 120-year history.
“There have been controversies in the past, such as disputes over royal marriages or palace renovations, but never allegations of this scale involving criminal offences,” Isaksen told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
According to prosecutors, the most serious allegations involve four counts of rape as well as claims of physical and psychological abuse against several former partners. Høiby has reportedly admitted to some lesser charges but has denied the most serious accusations.
His legal team said he intends to present his full account during the court proceedings.
Høiby was first arrested in August 2024 following an alleged assault involving his then-girlfriend. Days later, he publicly acknowledged that he had acted under the influence of alcohol and drugs after an argument, while also citing longstanding struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Investigations linked to that arrest later uncovered additional alleged offences, including claims that several women were assaulted while incapacitated. Some of the incidents are alleged to have occurred in 2018, 2023, and 2024, including one after the police investigation had already begun.
The trial is expected to draw significant domestic and international attention as proceedings continue.