The son of Norway's Crown Princess has entered a courtroom in Oslo to face a staggering array of criminal charges, marking one of the most severe scandals to ever engulf the Scandinavian nation's monarchy. Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, stands accused of raping four women and assaulting several former girlfriends.
A Trial That Threatens Royal Reputation
Proceedings commenced at 9:30am local time (0830 GMT) on Tuesday, with the trial scheduled to continue until March 19 amid expectations of intense media scrutiny. Hoiby faces a total of 38 separate charges, some dating back to 2018, with potential prison sentences reaching up to 16 years if he is found guilty on the most serious counts.
Recent Arrest and Custody Decision
In a dramatic development just days before the trial began, Hoiby was arrested again on Sunday evening on suspicion of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. Following this arrest, he was remanded in custody for four weeks on Monday after police expressed concerns about a 'risk of reoffending'.
The defendant has admitted to some of the more minor offences but continues to deny the most serious allegations against him. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo has emphasised that Hoiby will 'neither be treated more leniently nor more severely because of his family connections', addressing concerns about potential special treatment due to his royal lineage.
Pattern of Alleged Abuse Uncovered
The case against Hoiby began to take shape following his initial arrest on August 4, 2024, when he was suspected of assaulting his girlfriend. Several days later, he admitted acting 'under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument', revealing that he had suffered from 'mental troubles' and struggled 'for a long time with substance abuse'.
Multiple Allegations Surface
What began as an investigation into a single incident uncovered a disturbing pattern of alleged criminal behaviour. Prosecutors claim Hoiby raped four women while they were sleeping or passed out drunk, with some incidents reportedly filmed by the accused. These alleged rapes are said to have occurred in 2018, 2023, and 2024, with the last incident taking place after police had already begun their investigation.
Last month, authorities added six more counts to the charges, including a 'serious narcotics offence' from 2020 in which Hoiby confessed to transporting 3.5 kilograms (nearly eight pounds) of marijuana.
Victims and Testimonies
The first of Hoiby's seven alleged victims, all of whom have restraining orders against him, is due to testify on Tuesday. While most identities remain protected, one has been publicly identified as his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, a model and influencer who has accused him of sustained physical abuse.
Detailed Allegations of Domestic Violence
According to official charge sheets, between the summer of 2022 and autumn of 2023, while in a relationship with Haukland, Hoiby repeatedly:
- Struck her in the face
- Kicked and punched her
- Grabbed her by the throat
- Threw her against a refrigerator
- Hurled insults at her
Broader Royal Family Implications
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of multiple challenges for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit finds herself fighting battles on several fronts, including managing an incurable lung disease that makes breathing difficult and may eventually require a risky lung transplant.
Epstein Connection Adds Complexity
Complicating matters further, the Crown Princess was recently drawn into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal after unsealed US documents revealed her apparent close friendship with the convicted sex offender, who died by suicide in prison in 2019. This revelation has prompted harsh criticism in recent days, adding another layer of controversy to an already difficult period for the monarchy.
Public Reaction and Royal Response
On the streets of Oslo, opinions about the scandal vary considerably. Philip Wilson, a 35-year-old security guard and student, criticised the palace's handling of the situation as 'terrible', suggesting that 'the PR firms at the castle have a lot to do'. Meanwhile, Jostein Grosaas, a 66-year-old lawyer, maintained that the scandal 'has not changed my view on the royal family at all'.
Despite the intense public interest, Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit will not attend the trial, nor will King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 88, who remain broadly popular as unifying figures in Norwegian society.
Defence Strategy and Trial Process
The defence team has not made any public statements ahead of the trial. Hoiby is expected to enter pleas for all charges on Tuesday and take the stand for the first time on Wednesday. Described as a tall, strapping blond with slicked-back hair, earrings, and tattoos, his appearance in court is likely to attract significant media attention throughout the proceedings.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This scandal represents one of the worst in the history of the Norwegian monarchy, dealing a substantial blow to its carefully cultivated reputation. The royal family has traditionally enjoyed strong public support, but this case tests that loyalty in unprecedented ways.
A verdict is expected several weeks after the trial concludes in March, with the outcome likely to have lasting implications for both the royal family's standing and Norway's judicial system. The case raises important questions about privilege, accountability, and how modern monarchies navigate personal scandals involving family members.
