Get ready for one of the most explosive scandals in Norway's royal history. Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is now in the glare of international media as he goes on trial for some serious allegations. Charged with raping four women and multiple other offenses, Hoiby's trial is set to captivate audiences until March 19.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Hoiby, who could face up to 16 years behind bars if found guilty. With 38 counts against him, including offenses dating back to 2018, this trial is a monumental event in the Norwegian monarchy's 120-year timeline. Historian Trond Noren Isaksen calls it "the biggest scandal" ever to hit the royal family.
“When it comes to the Norwegian royal family, it is without a doubt the biggest scandal," Isaksen elaborated in an interview.
Among the most jaw-dropping accusations are the rapes of four women – incidents allegedly filmed by Hoiby himself. These charges, said to have occurred between 2018 and 2024, surfaced following a police investigation that began after his arrest on August 4, 2024. Hoiby was initially detained for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
In a twist that deepened the case, a related investigation uncovered numerous other offenses, including a narcotics charge involving 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. This charge, which happened in 2020, is yet another layer in a complex legal scenario that's both riveting and distressing.
With Hoiby having no official royal title or career, his actions have cast an unwelcome spotlight on the royal family, especially his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. She now faces the dual pressure of being a mother and a future queen, all while dealing with a chronic lung illness.
Amidst this turmoil, Crown Prince Haakon expressed his hope for justice. "We are thinking a lot about all the parties concerned in this case," he stated, emphasizing his trust in the court's fairness. Despite the scandal, support for Norway's monarchy remains strong, albeit slightly shaken.
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo insists that justice must be served impartially, saying, "This means that Hoiby should neither be treated more leniently nor more severely because of his family affiliations." As the trial continues, all eyes remain fixed on Norway's courtrooms, awaiting a verdict that could redefine the royal family's image.