Marius Borg Høiby Pleads Not Guilty as Norway’s Royal Trial Turns Darker

Norway’s most explosive royal scandal deepened as Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, appeared in Oslo District Court and pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape. Prosecutors laid out a sweeping indictment totaling thirty eight charges, including allegations of abuse, secret filming, drug offenses and repeated restraining order violations. Høiby admitted guilt to several lesser charges while denying the most serious accusations. Prosecutors stressed that royal connections would offer no protection, insisting that Høiby be treated exactly like any other defendant. The court imposed strict reporting restrictions to protect the alleged victims, while Høiby’s defence argued he has been overwhelmed by what they described as a “tsunami of negative publicity.” The trial has been further complicated by Høiby’s recent rearrest on new allegations involving threats with a knife and breach of a restraining order, leaving him in custody as proceedings continue. With seven weeks of testimony ahead, the case has shaken Norway’s confidence in the royal family’s judgment and oversight. Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening. Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network. Royal Books: William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana