OSLO: The stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, Marius Borg Høiby, has been found guilty of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison following a seven-week trial, according to an Oslo court ruling on Monday. The case has also drawn significant attention due to its impact on the Norwegian Royal Family.
According to CNN, the 29-year-old, who became part of the Royal Family when his mother Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, was convicted on two counts of rape, including one incident that took place in the basement of the Crown Prince’s residence. He was acquitted of two other rape charges.
Høiby, who had pleaded not guilty to the most serious allegations while admitting to lesser offences, can still appeal the verdict. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven years and seven months.
During the trial, evidence presented included allegations linked to drug abuse, explicit self-recorded material, and more than 800 electronic messages. The court found that in one of the rape cases, the victim was unable to resist the act, according to Judge Jon Sverdrup Efjestad.
The case has drawn significant public attention and has delievered a blow to the Royal Family. This comes amid additional scrutiny involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who faced criticism for association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Public opinion polls conducted during the trial showed a decline in support for the Norwegian monarchy.
The verdict comes at a difficult time for Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is currently suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and awaiting a potential lung transplant.
