Son of Norway crown princess cries during rape trial, blames 'need for recognition'

Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, broke down in court on Wednesday, denying that videos on his phone showed acts of rape.

The 29-year-old, who is accused of raping four women and faces more than 30 other criminal charges, admitted to a life of excess with public attention due to "an extreme need for recognition", which he said from an early age pushed him to crave sex, alcohol and drugs.

Taking the stand on the second day of the trial, Marius Borg Hoiby appeared visibly shaken. His voice trembled as he paused repeatedly to wipe his eyes and remove his glasses, reported BBC.

He told the three-judge panel that speaking in court was "very difficult" and said he had been followed by the media since early childhood.

"I am known for being Mamma’s son. Nothing else," he said, referring to his mother. "Few can relate to the life I have led. A lot of parties, alcohol, some drugs."

He spoke for around half an hour, largely without referring to notes, and avoided looking towards two of the women who were present in court to hear his evidence.

WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AND KEY EVIDENCE?

The defendant is accused of raping four women between December 2018 and November 2024, allegedly after consensual sex, when they were asleep or otherwise incapacitated. One charge involves intercourse, while the others involve sexual assault, which is classified as rape under Norwegian law.

Earlier, one of the women told the court she was 100 percent convinced she had been drugged at an after-party at Hoiby’s parents’ home in 2018. She said she later felt betrayal and shock after police showed her videos that allegedly depicted her being sexually assaulted.

She told the court she had no memory of the incident and described a "black hole" in her recollection. She said she appeared to be unconscious in the footage and believed she may have ingested something without knowing.

Hoiby has denied drugging anyone. He pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and domestic violence on the first day of his trial on Tuesday, while admitting to some lesser offences.

The court has imposed tight reporting rules on the trial. Media outlets are barred from publishing any information that could identify the alleged victims. Photographs of the defendant, either inside or outside the court building, are also prohibited.

Parts of the proceedings have taken place behind closed doors, with only a limited number of journalists allowed to follow from an adjoining room.

During his first court appearance, H¸iby was seen shaking and is understood to have received hospital treatment overnight.

ROYAL LINKS UNDER SPOTLIGHT

Hoiby was born four years before his mother Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon and is not a member of the royal family, but grew up in the royal household.

In August 2024, he was arrested following an alleged violent incident at his girlfriend’s flat in western Oslo. Police accused him of damaging property and threatening her. At the time, he spoke publicly about mental health problems and substance abuse.

After a lengthy investigation, prosecutors brought multiple charges, including rape, assault, threats, drug offences and driving violations. If convicted on the most serious counts, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.