A Norwegian court says it will deliver its verdict next month in the trial of a Norwegian princess on charges including the rape of her eldest son, after proceedings that have loomed large over the royal family.
Oslo, Norway — A Norwegian court said Monday it will deliver its verdict next month in the trial of the eldest son of a Norwegian princess on charges including rape. royal family.
Oslo District Court said that the verdict in the case of Marius Borg Hoiby will be delivered on June 15.
During six weeks of court proceedings Ended March 19thProsecutors sought a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Hoibi Denial of rape allegations.
Hoibi, 29, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the throne of Norway. He is accused of a total of 40 crimes, including four counts of rape, between 2018 and 2024.
Defense lawyers for Hoibi, who has no royal title or official duties, said there was no evidence to support the rape allegations. However, he admitted to lesser crimes, including drug possession, transportation of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb) of marijuana in 2020, traffic violations and violation of a restraining order involving a former partner. He has also partially admitted to acts of violence and threats, but has disputed key aspects of those allegations, including intent.
The defense team has said that given the charges he has pleaded guilty to, a maximum sentence of 18 months would be appropriate. It was argued that Høiby has been under extraordinary media pressure due to his royal connections, saying that this has shaped public perception of the case.
While the trial is over, mete-mariet is separately faced scrutiny This year over her relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This has raised questions about his judgment, although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
