Prosecutors in Norway have detailed four charges of rape against Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, in what is being described as one of the biggest court cases in Norway for years.
Høiby appeared in court, denying the most serious of the 38 offenses he faces. The charges reportedly stem from incidents involving several women, with one alleged victim providing testimony regarding an encounter in 2018.
While he is not an official member of the royal family, Høiby's case is drawing significant public interest, further complicated by the media attention surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit, following the revelation of her interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein. This has incited public criticism and led to her losing the patronage of certain organizations.
Daily revelations concerning both Høiby and his mother have intensified scrutiny, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre urging the Crown Princess to clarify her communications with Epstein after extensive email exchanges surfaced.
The trial, which is expected to last several weeks, has seen Høiby made to appear in court under severe restrictions, with numerous details about the alleged victims being kept confidential. Høiby pleaded not guilty to the rape charges, stating that he deserves a fair trial, while his defense team advocates for his presumption of innocence amid a wave of negative publicity.
If convicted, he faces potential imprisonment for a minimum of ten years.
