Norway’s royal family is facing intense public attention as the rape trial of Crown Prince Haakon’s stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, begins in Oslo.
Høiby, 29, has been charged with 38 offences, including rape, repeated abuse, threats, and illegal filming. If convicted, he could face more than 10 years in prison. He has denied all charges. The trial is expected to last seven weeks.
The case has drawn wider attention after newly released Jeffrey Epstein-related emails appeared to show past contact between Epstein and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. She has said she showed poor judgment, expressed regret, and stressed that Epstein alone is responsible for his crimes.
Norwegian royal officials said the crown prince and crown princess will not attend the trial, underlining that Høiby is not a working royal and is legally responsible as a private citizen.
