Minute30.com .- The foundations of the Norwegian monarchy are shaking. Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Princess Mette-Marit, wife of the heir to the crown, appeared in court this Monday to face a historic trial that links him to a total of 38 crimes. In a first session full of tension, the 29-year-old admitted his guilt on minor charges, but maintained a resounding “no” to the most serious accusations: four counts of rape.

The trial, which is estimated to last seven weeks, is taking place under almost total secrecy at the request of the defense. No photographs of his arrival or appearance were permitted; Only freehand drawings attest to a Marius who, according to chroniclers present, remained “hunched over the desk, writing or drawing on a piece of paper” while the prosecutor recounted his criminal record.

The horror file: From drugs to sexual assaults

Of the 38 charges against him, Borg pleaded guilty to 24. However, the focus is on the crimes he denies. The prosecution maintains that incriminating videos were found on Marius’ cell phone that link him to alleged sexual assaults.

The list of accusations is extensive and disturbing:

Rape: One case of rape during sleep that culminated in sexual intercourse and three additional cases of abuse while the victims were sleeping.

Violence and Abuse: Abuse in close relationships and threats.

Sexual Crimes: Six cases of offensive conduct for photographing women’s genitals without their consent.

Drugs and Traffic: Possession of narcotics, driving at excessive speed and driving without a license.

The defense, led by his lawyers, argued that Marius does not accept the rape charges because he “perceived all incidents as completely normal and voluntary sexual relations.” However, one of the complainants already took the stand on this first day, requesting, along with the other victims, full protection of her identity.

Marius, who came to the royal family at just 4 years old when his mother married Prince Haakon in 2001, was always seen as the “rebellious son,” but today his legal situation has him under preventive detention. During the hearing, the young man refused to answer questions about his private life or his current occupation, limiting himself to listening to the story of his criminal record.

Mette-Marit: A past that comes back to haunt

This scandal does not come in a vacuum. The Norwegian monarchy is going through its worst popularity crisis, fueled by the shadows surrounding Princess Mette-Marit.

Added to her son’s erratic behavior is the resurgence of rumors, fueled by recently declassified files, about his alleged close relationship with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with whom there were encounters even on his private island.

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