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Norway’s Crown Prince Rules Out Attending Stepson’s Trial as 38-Count Case Nears Feb. 3 Start

The palace set clear boundaries for the trial by declining comment, expressing confidence in a fair court process.

Overview

  • Oslo proceedings begin Feb. 3 and are expected to run into mid‑March, with Marius Borg Høiby facing 38 counts including sexual violence, abuse in close relationships, threats and traffic offenses.
  • Prosecutors recently added six charges, the most serious alleging receipt and transport of about 3.5 kg of marijuana in July 2020, and they say he admitted that transport.
  • The other new counts are two alleged restraining‑order breaches and three traffic violations, which will be tried alongside the earlier indictment.
  • Høiby denies the most serious accusations but intends to plead guilty to some lesser offenses, his lawyer has said, while a conviction on the gravest counts could carry up to ten years in prison.
  • A Royal House statement says Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette‑Marit will not attend or comment during the trial, with official duties continuing and the Crown Princess planning a private stay.