The trial of Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has commenced at Oslo District Court, with the 29-year-old denying multiple serious charges, including four counts of rape. The proceedings began on Tuesday, amidst a backdrop of new allegations that could further complicate his legal situation.
Charges and Pleas in the High-Profile Case
Hoiby faces a total of 38 charges, which encompass a range of offences beyond the rape allegations. These include abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another individual, and the transportation of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Additional counts involve making death threats and various traffic violations.
During the opening of the trial, Hoiby entered pleas of not guilty to the most severe charges, such as rape. However, he admitted guilt to several driving offences, an aggravated drugs offence, and breaching a restraining order. He also pleaded "partly" guilty to threats and aggravated assault, indicating a nuanced stance on some allegations.
Royal Connections and Legal Proceedings
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. Despite these familial ties, Hoiby holds no royal title or official duties and is outside the line of succession, which has been emphasised in media reports.
The trial is scheduled to run until March 19, providing a detailed examination of the evidence. In a related development, police have indicated they will seek judicial permission to detain Hoiby for four weeks following the latest accusations, which are separate from the current 38 charges. This move underscores the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Background and Broader Context
Hoiby has been under legal scrutiny since 2024, when he was named as a suspect in a physical assault case involving a former partner. At that time, he publicly admitted to causing bodily harm while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, expressing regret for his actions. This history adds complexity to the current trial.
As the proceedings unfold, the royal family has maintained a distance, with Crown Prince Haakon stating that the royal house does not intend to comment during the trial. This stance comes as Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces renewed attention over her past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, following recent document releases in the United States.
The case highlights significant legal and social issues in Norway, drawing international interest due to Hoiby's royal connections. With new allegations potentially leading to additional charges, the trial represents a critical moment in a saga that blends personal misconduct with public scrutiny of a prominent family.
