Son of Norway's Crown Princess Denies Rape Allegations as Trial Opens in Oslo
The trial of Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has commenced in Oslo, with the 29-year-old denying the most serious charges against him, including four counts of rape. The proceedings began on Tuesday at Oslo District Court, where Hoiby faces a total of 38 charges encompassing a range of alleged crimes.
Detailed Charges and Initial Pleas
Hoiby entered a plea of not guilty to the rape allegations, as well as to charges of abuse in a close relationship against a former partner and acts of violence against another individual. The indictment also includes accusations of transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, making death threats, and various traffic violations. In a partial admission, Hoiby pleaded guilty to several driving offences, an aggravated drugs offence, and breaching a restraining order, while also acknowledging threats and aggravated assault to some extent.
His legal representative has refrained from commenting on the new allegations that have emerged outside the current trial. These fresh accusations could potentially lead to additional charges on top of the existing 38 counts, with police seeking judicial approval to detain Hoiby in custody for the next four weeks while investigations continue.
Royal Connections and Family Background
Marius Borg Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. Importantly, Hoiby holds no royal title or official duties and is not in the line of succession to the throne. The royal household has stated that it does not intend to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, maintaining a distance from the case.
The trial is scheduled to run until March 19, drawing significant media attention due to Hoiby's high-profile family connections. This scrutiny is not new for Hoiby, who was first named as a suspect in 2024 for physical assault against a former partner, an incident he publicly admitted to while attributing it to being under the influence of cocaine and alcohol.
Broader Context and Implications
The opening of this trial coincides with renewed public interest in Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past associations, particularly her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, following recent document releases in the United States. This adds a layer of complexity to the already sensitive situation facing the Norwegian royal family.
As the legal process unfolds in Oslo, the case highlights issues of accountability and justice, irrespective of one's social or familial status. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, not only for its legal ramifications but also for its potential impact on public perception of the monarchy in Norway.
