New Charges for Crown Princess’s Son Accused of Rape

**Excerpt:** Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces additional charges amid accusations of raping four women.

Key Points:

– Marius Borg Hoiby has been charged with new crimes, including a serious narcotics offense.
– He is scheduled to go on trial in February for the alleged rape of four women.
– The new charges include violations of restraining orders and traffic offenses.
– Hoiby has admitted to some lesser charges but denies the most serious allegations.
– The trial is set to take place from February 3 to March 13 in Oslo.

Background

Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing serious legal challenges as he prepares for a trial beginning on February 3. He has been accused of raping four women and has recently been charged with new offenses, including a serious narcotics charge.

New Charges

On January 19, prosecutors announced that Hoiby, 29, is now facing a total of six counts in an additional indictment. This includes a narcotics offense linked to an incident in 2020 involving 3.5 kilograms of marijuana, which Hoiby has admitted to transporting. His attorney, Ellen Holager Andenaes, stated that he transported the drugs without any financial gain.

Details of Allegations

The new indictment also includes two counts related to violations of restraining orders and three counts of traffic violations for reckless motorcycle driving. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo confirmed that these charges will be addressed during the upcoming trial in Oslo District Court.

Hoiby was initially arrested on August 4, 2024, on suspicion of assaulting his then-girlfriend. The allegations of rape span incidents from 2018 to 2024, with the most recent occurring after the police investigation began.

Legal Defense

Hoiby has denied the rape and domestic violence charges but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges, according to his attorney Petar Sekulic. In a statement following his arrest, Hoiby admitted to struggling with substance abuse and claimed that his actions were influenced by alcohol and cocaine after an argument.

Royal Family Implications

This case marks the most significant scandal to affect the Norwegian royal family. Raised alongside his step-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, Hoiby does not hold an official public role within the royal family. The trial is expected to draw significant attention, given its implications for the royal family’s reputation.

The proceedings are set to run until March 13, with the court expected to address all charges against Hoiby during this period.