By Paul Joseph
The son of Norway’s crown princess Marius Borg Hoiby who has pleaded not guilty to rape allegations, began his trial on Tuesday for multiple alleged offenses, marking the start of weeks of proceedings that have raised concerns about the royal family’s reputation.
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is the firstborn son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne. He does not hold a royal title or perform official duties.
During the trial at the Oslo district court, Høiby stood for 24 minutes while prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø read the 38 charges against him, asking if he pleaded guilty. He answered “no” to each of the most serious allegations, including four counts of rape.
The charges also include abuse in a close relationship with a former partner, acts of violence against another, and the possession of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Additional charges involve making death threats and traffic violations.
Høiby admitted guilt to several driving offenses, an aggravated drug charge, and violating a restraining order, and he “partly” accepted responsibility for threats and aggravated assault.
Dressed in glasses, a brown sweater, and beige trousers, he spoke softly and frequently consulted with his lawyer, while a court official adjusted the microphone to better capture his responses.
Prosecutors indicated that Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty in the trial, which is set to continue until March 19, with seven alleged victims expected to testify.
“There is equality before the law,” Henriksbø stated in court. “The defendant is the son of the crown princess.
He is part of the royal family. Nevertheless, he shall be treated like any other individual charged with similar offenses.”
Due to the international interest in the trial, Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad addressed the court in English, warning that recording or photographing in the courtroom was prohibited and that some witness testimonies would be conducted behind closed doors.
The investigation began in 2024 after police were called to an apartment in Oslo’s affluent Frogner neighborhood in early August due to reports of a violent incident.
Høiby was arrested and later released, but the case grew as more women came forward with allegations against him.
The indictment filed by prosecutors last year focuses on four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and November 2024, as well as alleged violence and threats against a former partner from the summer of 2022 to fall 2023, and two incidents of violence against a subsequent partner, along with restraining order violations.
The indictment was expanded in January when Høiby faced six new charges, including possession and distribution of large amounts of marijuana and additional restraining order violations. Høiby remains free pending trial.
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