The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess has denied that videos found on his mobile phone depict acts of rape, breaking down in tears as he gave evidence during the opening stages of his trial on charges of rape and domestic violence.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, is facing a total of 38 charges.
If convicted of the most serious offences, he could be sentenced to several years in prison.
The case has sent shockwaves through Norway, where the royal family has traditionally enjoyed strong public support and high approval ratings.
On Tuesday, the first day of proceedings, Hoiby entered pleas of not guilty to the most serious charges of rape and domestic violence. He admitted to some lesser offences, including speeding, and entered a partial guilty plea — permitted under Norwegian law — to charges of aggravated assault and reckless behaviour.
Appearing in court on Wednesday to give evidence for the first time, Hoiby became emotional, telling the court: “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.”
He told the court he was taking “heavy medication” and said he would try to give evidence to the best of his ability.
Speaking about his upbringing as the son of a crown princess, Hoiby 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 appeared in court wearing jeans and a dark blue jumper over a beige shirt. He spoke with his arms crossed and occasionally referred to handwritten notes from a notebook.
Among the most serious allegations against him are one count of rape involving sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which prosecutors allege were recorded on his mobile phone.
Hoiby denied that the videos showed acts of rape and said they had never been shared with anyone.
“If I had thought I had material that showed an assault, I would never have kept that material,” he said.
The trial is scheduled to continue until 19 March. Prosecutors have indicated that Hoiby could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years if found guilty.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are not expected to attend the trial. Hoiby is not in the line of succession and does not hold a royal title.
The proceedings come at a difficult time for the Norwegian royal family, which is facing pressure on several fronts. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also come under scrutiny over her past links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
An opinion poll published on Monday by daily newspaper Verdens Gang showed that public support for the monarchy has fallen, with 61% of respondents in favour of retaining it — a decline of 11 percentage points.
