By Trendsetter Tribune 
Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Norway’s crown princess, denies rape allegations as his trial begins in Oslo. The case includes 38 charges and has intensified scrutiny on the royal family.
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, appeared before an Oslo court on Tuesday, firmly denying accusations that he raped four women between 2018 and 2024. His trial, which includes a total of 38 criminal charges, has placed Norway’s royal family under intense public scrutiny.
Hoiby, dressed in green trousers and a sweater, remained expressionless as prosecutors outlined the charges that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 16 years. While he denied the rape allegations, he admitted guilt to several other offenses, including assault, drug possession, traffic violations, and breaches of restraining orders.
The case has drawn massive attention due to Hoiby’s connection to the royal family. He is the crown princess’s son from a previous relationship, making him Crown Prince Haakon’s stepson. The trial also comes at a difficult time for Mette-Marit, who has faced renewed criticism after the release of U.S. documents detailing her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Prosecutors allege that the four rapes took place after evenings involving alcohol, claiming the women were too intoxicated to defend themselves. One alleged assault reportedly happened during a 2023 holiday trip in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. The prosecution argued that Hoiby took advantage of vulnerable moments, sometimes filming or photographing the incidents.
Defense lawyers countered that Hoiby believed all interactions were consensual, saying he perceived the sexual activity as “perfectly normal.” They also warned the court against what they described as a “media tsunami” that could bias public opinion before the verdict.
One alleged victim testified tearfully about a 2018 after-party at Hoiby’s residence on the Skaugum estate, telling the court she had no memory of the alleged assault. Police reportedly found video footage on Hoiby’s phone showing the incident.
Hoiby’s legal troubles escalate back to August 2024, when he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. He later admitted he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine during the confrontation. Following the arrest, multiple ex-girlfriends came forward accusing him of physical and emotional abuse. The police investigation expanded to include accusations of rape, drug transportation, and other violent acts.
One of the few publicly identified alleged victims, model and influencer Nora Haukland, has accused Hoiby of repeatedly assaulting her during their relationship. Prosecutors say he kicked, punched, and threw her against household appliances while verbally degrading her.
The scandal has taken a toll on public attitudes toward the monarchy. A TV2 poll released Tuesday found that more than 70 percent of Norwegians believe the royal family’s reputation has been damaged by recent controversies. Despite this, King Harald and Queen Sonja remain widely respected as stabilizing figures.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are not attending the trial, which is scheduled to run until March 19. A verdict is expected several weeks later.