Royal Scandal: Prince's Rape Trial Rocks Norway

Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, began his trial on February 3, 2026, facing 38 charges including allegations of raping four women. Some offenses date back to 2018. He was recently arrested again on suspicion of assault and making threats, leading to his remand in custody for four weeks due to a risk of reoffending. Hoiby faces up to 16 years in prison and has admitted to some lesser charges while denying the most serious ones.

The trial, scheduled to continue until March 19, 2026, is expected to draw significant media attention. Hoiby's legal defense has not yet issued a public statement. This legal battle unfolds as his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein through recently unsealed US documents.

The investigation into Hoiby, who has acknowledged struggles with substance abuse and mental health, uncovered additional alleged offenses. These include transporting 3.5 kilos of marijuana in 2020 and four alleged rapes occurring between 2018 and 2024. One of his ex-girlfriends, model Nora Haukland, has publicly accused him of physical abuse.

This scandal is considered one of the most significant in the Norwegian monarchy's history, impacting its reputation. However, the current King Harald and Queen Sonja remain unifying figures. The royal family, including Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will not attend the trial.