Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Son Faces Rape Trial, Royal Family Under Scrutiny

• Marius Borg Hoiby, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's eldest son, faces a high-profile rape trial in Norway.
• Hoiby, 29, is charged with 38 offenses including sexual assault and violence, with potential for a 10-year prison sentence.
• His defense denies all sexual abuse charges and most violence allegations; he remains in custody due to flight risk and public safety concerns.
• The royal household is not attending proceedings, emphasizing the legal process over public spectacle, while King Harald remains silent.
• The trial coincides with renewed scrutiny on Princess Mette-Marit's past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, which she has publicly regretted.

Why It Matters: Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son faces a major rape trial, intensifying scrutiny on the Norwegian royal family.