Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, denied allegations that videos on his phone showed acts of rape as he testified in his trial for rape and domestic violence, breaking down at times during the proceedings.
Hoiby faces 38 charges, including one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse. If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face several years in prison. On Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to the most severe allegations but admitted to lesser offenses such as speeding and partially pleaded guilty—allowed under Norwegian law—to aggravated assault and reckless behavior.
Speaking on Wednesday during his first day as a witness, Hoiby described the difficulty of testifying under intense media scrutiny.
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“It is very difficult for me to speak in front of so many people. I have been surrounded by the press since I was three. I have been harassed ever since,” he said, breaking into tears. He added that he had been on “heavy medication” and would attempt to provide as much testimony as possible.
Hoiby reflected on the pressures of being a royal family member, saying, “I am known as the son of Mummy, which means I have an extreme need for affirmation. A lot of sex, a lot of alcohol. Few can relate to the life I have led. A lot of parties, alcohol, some drugs.”
Dressed in jeans and a dark blue jumper over a beige shirt, Hoiby consulted handwritten notes as he testified.
Regarding the prosecution’s claims that some rape acts were filmed on his phone, Hoiby said, “If I had thought I had material that showed an assault, I would never have kept that material.” He maintained that he had never shared the content with anyone.
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The trial, which involves Hoiby, his wife, Dr. Hafsa Umar, and six others, is scheduled to continue until March 19.