Stockholm/Copenhagen, Jan 29, (dpa/GNA) – Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, have said they will not attend the start of the trial of Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, next week.
Høiby, 29, is charged with 38 counts, including rape, domestic abuse and assault.
“We have decided not to be present in the courtroom and not to comment on the trial,” Haakon, 52, told Norwegian television on Wednesday.
He said that he and his wife would of course still follow the proceedings. Mette-Marit, 52, has planned a private trip.
In the summer of 2024, Høiby admitted to having been violent towards his then-girlfriend under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and to having destroyed things in her apartment.
However, he strongly denies the allegations of sexual offences, one of his defence lawyers later said.
“Of course, we think a lot about everyone affected in the case,” Haakon told the broadcaster NRK. “I know that many are having a hard time right now.”
He expressed confidence that the court proceedings would be “proper and fair.” “Marius Borg Høiby is not part of the royal household, but he is an important part of our family and a citizen of Norway,” Haakon continued. “Therefore, he has the same responsibilities as everyone else, but also the same rights.”
The trial is initially scheduled for 24 days of hearings until March 13.
Høiby comes from a previous relationship that Mette-Marit had.
Mette-Marit has two other children with heir to the throne Haakon: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20.
Although Høiby is part of the family, he does not hold the title of prince and is not an official member of the Norwegian royal household.
GNA