Norway's Crown Princess Faces Family Scandal as Son Denies Rape Charges

On February 3, Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, entered a not guilty plea to four counts of rape as his trial commenced, casting a shadow over the royal family. The 29-year-old Hoiby, who is also facing a total of 38 charges including assaults against former girlfriends and serious drug offenses, stood silently clad in green and responded negatively when asked about his plea. If found guilty, he could face up to 16 years in prison. Hoiby has previously admitted to lesser offenses and was remanded in custody after being arrested on charges that include assault and threats involving a knife. The trial, undergoing in a courthouse filled with reporters, has raised significant public interest. The prosecution is expected to present testimonies, starting with an alleged victim's closed-door statements the same afternoon, while Hoiby is slated to testify the following day. This scandal has deeply embarrassed the royal family, especially as it unfolded just as media scrutiny intensified on Crown Princess Mette-Marit, drawing connections to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal through recently unsealed documents. Notably, the prosecution has emphasized that Hoiby will receive no preferential treatment due to his familial ties. Details of the accusations against Hoiby are distressing; he is alleged to have committed multiple rapes, some of which were filmed, and has a history of substance abuse, which he has attributed to his actions during the incidents. The identities of his alleged victims cannot be disclosed, aside from his ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland, who has detailed a series of abusive encounters with Hoiby between 2022 and 2023. This situation marks a challenging period for the Norwegian monarchy as public opinion reflects a dip in confidence amid ongoing scandals. Recent polling indicates that over 70% of the Norwegian populace believes that the royal family's reputation has been tarnished. Amidst the chaos, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is herself battling a serious health issue, faces a dual dilemma of supporting her son while fulfilling her royal obligations. The verdict on Hoiby's case is anticipated weeks after the trial concludes, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the monarchy's future. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2