Norwegian Royal Family Rocked: Crown Princess'S Son Faces Shocking Rape Trial

A Royal Scandal Unfolds

Norway's monarchy is in the midst of an unparalleled scandal as Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces trial on Tuesday on a slew of serious charges. Set to be one of the most talked-about cases in the kingdom's history, Hoiby is accused of raping four women, alongside a string of drug and assault offenses. These shocking allegations have cast a long shadow over the royal family.

Hoiby, now 29, is Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. The charges against him are staggering: 38 counts in total, with some incidents dating back to 2018. If found guilty by the Oslo district court, Hoiby could face up to 16 years behind bars. The trial is expected to draw significant media attention and last until March 19.

“When it comes to the Norwegian royal family, it is without a doubt the biggest scandal,” remarked Trond Noren Isaksen, a historian specializing in Norway's monarchy.

Serious Charges and Shocking Revelations

The most severe charges Hoiby faces include four counts of rape and the physical and psychological abuse of several ex-girlfriends. Known for his 'bad boy' image, Hoiby sports slicked-back hair, earrings, and a tapestry of tattoos. He first grabbed headlines on August 4, 2024, when he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend.

In a candid admission, Hoiby acknowledged acting "under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument," attributing his actions to long-standing mental health and substance abuse problems. This incident led to a deeper investigation, uncovering a series of alleged crimes, including the rapes of women while they were incapacitated, some of which were reportedly filmed.

This scandal marks a significant departure from the usual royal controversies, which have typically involved issues like choice of spouses or palace renovations, but never criminal activities of this nature. Norway's royalty now faces intense public and media scrutiny as the trial progresses.