Key facts
- Marius Borg Hoiby, stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, will learn on Monday if he is guilty of rape, domestic violence, assault, and drug possession charges.
- Hoiby pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations, including rape.
- If convicted on all counts, Hoiby could face up to seven years and seven months in prison.
- The trial has included evidence of Hoiby's drug addiction and over 800 electronic messages.
- The case has coincided with a drop in public support for the Norwegian monarchy.
- Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on a lung transplant list due to severe health issues.
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, is set to learn on Monday whether he has been found guilty of charges including rape, domestic violence, assault, and drug possession. Hoiby pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations, such as rape, while admitting to some lesser charges. The Oslo district court could sentence him to over seven years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The seven-week trial has captivated Norway, presenting evidence of Hoiby's drug addiction, self-made videos of sexual encounters, and over 800 electronic messages. The court heard that one alleged rape occurred in the basement of the crown prince's family home.
Interest in the case has been amplified by the stark contrast between the public image of the royal family and Hoiby's alleged actions. This scrutiny, coupled with Crown Princess Mette-Marit's apology for maintaining contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has contributed to a decline in the popularity of the monarchy. A February survey indicated a record low of 60% support for the monarchy, though this figure saw a slight recovery to 64% by May.
The verdict comes amid difficult personal circumstances for Hoiby's mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has been placed on the national lung transplant list due to severe pulmonary fibrosis. Her deteriorating health is reportedly leading to a more sober public perception of the family's struggles.