Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has gone on trial in Oslo this week in a case that has become one of the most serious scandals to hit the Norwegian royal sphere in decades. Høiby, born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon and not in the line of succession, is charged with a total of 38 criminal counts. These include four alleged rapes dating from 2018, 2023 and 2024, as well as a host of other offences such as assault, domestic abuse, and breaches of restraining orders. Prosecutors say the trial, which opened at the Oslo district court and is expected to run into March, could see him face up to 16 years in prison if convicted.

In the lead-up to the trial, authorities also added charges linked to a “serious narcotics offence” from 2020, involving the transportation of approximately 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Høiby has admitted to this drug charge but strongly denies most of the rape and violent crime allegations, according to court filings and defence statements. His legal team has confirmed that he will contest the most serious counts while acknowledging some of the lesser ones. Observers note that the case has drawn intense media attention in Norway and abroad, partly due to the high-profile nature of the accused’s family ties and the severity of the accusations.

The unfolding trial has placed additional strain on the Norwegian royal household, which has been careful to distance itself from the proceedings. Crown Prince Haakon has expressed confidence in the Norwegian legal system and confirmed that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit will attend the court sessions. The palace has emphasized that Høiby holds no official royal status and that the family will continue with its public duties amid the legal drama. The case has sparked national debate on issues of privilege, accountability, and how public figures are treated under the law.