The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess has denied that videos on his phone showed acts of rape as he broke down during his first day of testimony in his trial for rape and domestic violence.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, could face years in prison if found guilty of the most serious of the 38 charges against him.
The case has shaken the Norwegian royal family, which has historically enjoyed high favourability ratings.
On Tuesday, the first day of his trial, he pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges of rape and domestic violence, but admitted some lesser charges, including driving too fast.
He also said he was partially guilty – a plea allowed under Norwegian law – of aggravated assault and reckless behaviour.
On Wednesday, Hoiby broke down in tears during his first day on the witness stand, saying: “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.”
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He said he had received “heavy medication”, and would try to do as much as he could.
Hoiby spoke about growing up as the son of a crown princess.
He said: “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.”
Hoiby wore jeans and a dark blue jumper over a beige shirt, and spoke with his arms crossed, occasionally consulting handwritten notes from a notebook.
Some of the most serious charges against Hoiby are one count of rape with sexual intercourse, and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which the prosecution says he filmed on his telephone.
He denied the videos on his phone show acts of rape, and noted that he had never shared them with anyone.
“If I had thought I had material that showed an assault, I would never have kept that material,” he said.
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Hoiby’s trial is scheduled to run until 19 March, and prosecutors have said that he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The crown prince and princess do not plan to attend the trial of Hoiby, who is outside the line of royal succession and has no title.
A monarchy under pressure
The trial comes as the Norwegian royal family is facing challenges on multiple fronts.
Hoiby’s mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is under intense scrutiny over her ties with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
An opinion poll conducted on Monday for daily newspaper Verdens Gang, showed only 61% of Norwegians were in favour of keeping the monarchy – a drop of 11%.
