A year and a half after Marius Borg Høiby was arrested for a violent incident in Oslo, he goes on trial in what is being described as Norway's biggest legal case in recent years.
The trial starts at Oslo district court and is anticipated to last seven weeks, coinciding with a time of intense public interest and scrutiny surrounding both him and his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Recent reports revealed that the 29-year-old faced new allegations just before the trial, including assault and violating a restraining order, leading to his custody status prior to the proceedings.
Despite heavy restrictions that prohibit the release of details surrounding the identities of the alleged victims, the trial will examine 38 charges against Høiby, including serious accusations of rape and threats of violence, amidst claims of repeated violent behavior towards partners.
Mette-Marit has also found herself in a controversial spotlight following the release of emails linking her to the late Jeffrey Epstein, prompting calls for her to address the nature of those connections. This has led to her stepping away from her patronage of the Sex and Society foundation, which cited incompatibility with the organization's values.
The royal family's absence at the trial proceedings is notable given its widespread coverage and critical examination, compounded by the backdrop of personal and familial challenges faced by Høiby and his mother.
As the trial continues, both public sentiment and the royal family's long-standing popularity in Norway hang in the balance.
