Rape trial of son of Norwegian crown princess closes

Lawyers for the eldest son of Norway’s crown princess have sought his acquittal on rape charges and a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison for other offences, as six weeks of high-profile court hearings that have cast a shadow over the royal family come to an end.

Prosecutors this week sought a sentence of seven years and seven months in prison for Marius Borg Hoiby, who denied the rape allegations.

A decision is expected at a later date.

Hoiby, 29, is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from her previous marriage and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne.

He is accused of a total of 40 crimes between 2018 and 2024, including four counts of rape against women who prosecutors say were unable to consent because they were asleep or otherwise incapacitated.

Defense lawyers for Hoiby, who has no royal title or official position, said there was no evidence to support the rape accusations.

However, he admitted to lesser crimes in the case.

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