Norway's Crown Princess Son Pledges Innocence as Rape Trial Unfolds Amid Royal Family Embarrassment
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has denied four counts of rape and other charges in a highly publicized trial. The 29-year-old appeared before an Oslo district court packed with media and spectators on Tuesday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to abuse in close relationships, filming women without their consent, and several driving-related offenses.
Høiby's defense team sat beside him as the lead prosecutor, Sturla Henriksbø, emphasized that Høiby's royal status does not grant him special treatment. "The defendant is part of the royal family," Henriksbø stated. "He should still be treated equally like any other person charged with the same offenses."
Høiby had previously pleaded guilty to charges including sexually offensive behavior and violating a restraining order, as well as driving-related offenses. However, he remained silent on two counts, prompting concerns about his mental state.
The trial, expected to last seven weeks, marks a tumultuous period for Norway's royal family. Høiby's arrest on Sunday evening added to the controversy, with police revealing new charges of assault and violating a restraining order.
Høiby's status as a member of the royal family has thrust him into the spotlight since his mother's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. The case has raised questions about domestic abuse within Norway's aristocracy and the need for accountability among the country's elite.
As the trial unfolds, Høiby's defense team will continue to present their case, while prosecutors will seek to prove the allegations against him. With multiple charges pending, including serious bodily harm and reckless behavior, Høiby faces an uncertain future.
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has denied four counts of rape and other charges in a highly publicized trial. The 29-year-old appeared before an Oslo district court packed with media and spectators on Tuesday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to abuse in close relationships, filming women without their consent, and several driving-related offenses.
Høiby's defense team sat beside him as the lead prosecutor, Sturla Henriksbø, emphasized that Høiby's royal status does not grant him special treatment. "The defendant is part of the royal family," Henriksbø stated. "He should still be treated equally like any other person charged with the same offenses."
Høiby had previously pleaded guilty to charges including sexually offensive behavior and violating a restraining order, as well as driving-related offenses. However, he remained silent on two counts, prompting concerns about his mental state.
The trial, expected to last seven weeks, marks a tumultuous period for Norway's royal family. Høiby's arrest on Sunday evening added to the controversy, with police revealing new charges of assault and violating a restraining order.
Høiby's status as a member of the royal family has thrust him into the spotlight since his mother's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. The case has raised questions about domestic abuse within Norway's aristocracy and the need for accountability among the country's elite.
As the trial unfolds, Høiby's defense team will continue to present their case, while prosecutors will seek to prove the allegations against him. With multiple charges pending, including serious bodily harm and reckless behavior, Høiby faces an uncertain future.