Norwegian Royal Family Rocked by Historic Criminal Trial
The Norwegian monarchy is confronting its most significant scandal in over a century as the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has commenced a high-profile trial on serious criminal charges. Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son from the Crown Princess's relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, is facing a total of 38 counts, with some allegations dating back to 2018.
Unprecedented Legal Proceedings for the Monarchy
This trial, scheduled to continue until March 19, is unfolding at the Oslo district court and is anticipated to draw intense media scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Legal experts note that if found guilty on all charges, Hoiby could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 16 years, marking a severe departure from the typically discreet affairs of the Norwegian royal household.
"When it comes to the Norwegian royal family, it is without a doubt the biggest scandal" in its 120-year history, according to Trond Noren Isaksen, a respected historian and monarchy expert who spoke with Agence France-Presse. He elaborated that while there have been minor controversies surrounding royal marriages and palace renovations in the past, "never any real scandals involving criminal offences, let alone so many."
Serious Allegations and Limited Admissions
The most severe accusations against Hoiby include four separate rape charges along with allegations of physical and psychological abuse against several former girlfriends. Prosecutors detail that these alleged rapes occurred while the women were either sleeping or incapacitated by alcohol, with some incidents reportedly recorded on video.
According to court documents, these serious offenses are said to have taken place in 2018, 2023, and as recently as 2024—the latter occurring after police had already initiated their investigation. So far, Hoiby has only confessed to some of the less serious charges, with his legal team stating that "Hoiby is saving his version of events for the court."
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Factors
The case originated from Hoiby's arrest on August 4, 2024, following suspicions that he had assaulted his girlfriend the previous night. Several days after his detention, he admitted to acting "under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument," while also revealing he had been struggling with "mental troubles" and "substance abuse" for an extended period.
What began as an investigation into a single assault allegation quickly expanded as authorities uncovered numerous other suspected offenses, painting a disturbing pattern of behavior that now forms the basis of this landmark trial. The proceedings represent not just a personal tragedy for those involved, but a profound challenge to the public image of Norway's modern monarchy.
