Norwegian Royal Stepson Denies Rape Allegations in Emotional Court Appearance
The stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, Marius Borg Hoiby, broke down in tears during the first day of his trial at the Oslo District Court on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Hoiby, whose mother is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, firmly denied allegations that videos found on his mobile phone depict acts of rape.
The trial, taking place in room 250 of the Oslo District Court, has drawn significant media attention due to Hoiby's connection to the Norwegian royal family. A court sketch from the proceedings shows Hoiby appearing solemn as he faced the charges.
Emotional Denial in Court Proceedings
During the opening day of the trial, Hoiby became visibly emotional while addressing the court. He categorically rejected the prosecution's claims that the videos in question show criminal sexual conduct. The specific nature and content of these videos have not been publicly disclosed in detail, but they form the central evidence in the case against him.
Legal experts following the case note that digital evidence from personal devices has become increasingly common in sexual assault trials worldwide. The defense is expected to challenge both the authenticity and interpretation of the video material.
Royal Family Connection Adds Scrutiny
Marius Borg Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, making him the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, who is heir to the Norwegian throne. While Hoiby is not in the direct line of succession, his familial ties to the monarchy have inevitably heightened public interest in the proceedings.
The Norwegian royal household has maintained its traditional stance of not commenting on private legal matters involving family members. However, the case unfolds against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of how European royal families handle personal controversies in the modern media age.
Legal Context and Potential Implications
The trial in Oslo represents a significant legal challenge for Hoiby, with potential consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. Norwegian law treats sexual assault cases with particular seriousness, and convictions can carry substantial prison sentences.
Observers note that the case also touches on broader issues of privacy, digital evidence, and the challenges of prosecuting sexual offenses in an era where personal technology creates both opportunities and complications for law enforcement.
The proceedings are expected to continue for several days as both prosecution and defense present their cases. The court will need to determine whether the videos constitute evidence of criminal behavior or whether alternative explanations exist for their content.
