Son of Norway's crown princess denies rape, admits lesser charges in court
Marius Borg Hoiby is on his way to a meeting with his lawyer in Oslo on Monday afternoon, after he was charged with new offences in Oslo, Norway January 19, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The son of Norway’s crown princess pleaded not guilty to rape and domestic violence on Tuesday but admitted to some lesser charges on the first day of a trial that has shaken the already embattled royal family.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, faces 38 criminal charges and could be sentenced to several years in prison if convicted of the most serious allegations.
As the trial opened, a poll showed declining public support for Norway’s monarchy, traditionally among the strongest in Europe.
The proceedings come days after Hoiby’s mother apologised for her “poor judgment” in maintaining contact with late United States sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his 2008 conviction.
No special treatment prosecutor says
Hoiby pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and one count of domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to one count of offensive sexual behaviour, as well as charges including speeding and driving without a valid licence.
He also entered a partial guilty plea – permitted under Norwegian law – to aggravated assault and reckless behaviour.
After a brief adjournment, Hoiby returned to court wearing a brown jumper over a white T-shirt, dark green trousers and white trainers, sitting behind his lawyers with his hands clasped tightly and his body visibly shaking at times.
A courtroom sketch shows Marius Borg Hoiby during the first day of the trial against him, which takes place at the Oslo District Court in Oslo, Norway February 3, 2026. REUTERS
Lead prosecutor Sturla Henriksboe said Hoiby would receive no special treatment. “He will not be handled tougher or milder because he is part of this family,” Henriksboe said in his opening statement.
Hoiby’s lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenaes, disputed that assertion, saying her client had been treated unfairly.
“The press coverage – which defendant sees 10,000 press articles written about him? … He has experienced books being written about him and more are coming,” she told the court. “Our client has absolutely not received normal treatment.”
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Crown Prince Haakon said in a statement that he and his wife would not attend the trial.
“We love him. He is an important part of our family,” he said, adding that Hoiby, as a Norwegian citizen, has the same rights and responsibilities as others. He also expressed sympathy for the alleged victims.
Family hit by travails and scandals
The case represents the most serious crisis to hit Norway’s royal family in peacetime, according to historian Trond Noren Isaksen. Hoiby does not hold a royal title and is not in the line of succession.
On Tuesday, Norway’s parliament voted overwhelmingly to retain the monarchy, rejecting a proposal to become a republic. However, an opinion poll published by newspaper Verdens Gang showed support for the monarchy falling to 61% from 72% last year, while backing for a republic rose to 27%.
The royal family has faced a series of challenges in recent years. King Harald, 88, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, reduced his public duties in 2024 after being hospitalised with an infection and later receiving a pacemaker.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has pulmonary fibrosis and may require a lung transplant. King Harald’s daughter, Princess Martha Louise, stepped back from royal duties in 2022 to pursue private business ventures with her American husband, a self-described shaman. The couple drew criticism last year for appearing in a Netflix documentary about their lives.
Multiple charges
Among the charges against Hoiby are one count of rape involving sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which prosecutors said were filmed on his mobile phone.
In January, authorities added new charges, including possession and transportation of 3.5 kilogrammes of marijuana. Police also previously named Hoiby as a suspect in a 2024 assault against a former partner.
Hoiby said at the time that he had caused bodily harm while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol and damaged the woman’s apartment, expressing regret for his actions.
On Sunday, police detained Hoiby on suspicion of causing bodily harm, wielding a knife and breaching a restraining order.