The Norwegian royal family is facing an extraordinarily turbulent moment, as it is newly revealed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son is set to stand trial this week on multiple criminal charges, including rape. Jeffrey Epstein The documents have reignited scrutiny of the princess’ past contacts with him.

Defendant Marius Borg Høiby Project Appear before Oslo District Court The indictment was released Tuesday after a lengthy investigation last summer. Hoiby is not a member of the royal family and does not hold any official position.

authorities Arrest Hoyby He was detained multiple times in 2024 as the charges mounted, although he was not detained while prosecutors built the case.

Prosecutors charged Hoiby with multiple sexual assaults Violent and threatening behavior towards ex-partner over many years. The alleged incidents span from 2018 to late 2024 and include allegations of violating a restraining order.

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Marius Borg Hojby of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Oslo on June 16, 2022. (Lise Aserud/NTB via AP)

If convicted, the 29-year-old could face up to 10 years in prison. Court proceedings are expected to last until mid-March.

After the indictment was released, defense attorney Petar Sekulic said his client Denies all sexual abuse accusations and disputed most of the violence-related charges.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visits the International Fashion Library at Stasjonsmesterbygningen in Oslo on January 24, 2025. (Run Hellestad/Corbis/Getty Images)

The case is embarrassing for the monarchy, which usually enjoys strong public support in Norway, and has attracted continued media attention at home and abroad.

That concern intensified last week with the release of a slew of new records tied to Epstein. The documents include hundreds of references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has previously acknowledged and regretted her contacts with Epstein.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and Princess Mette-Marit attend the Save the Children Peace Prize Party at the Nobel Peace Center on December 10, 2024 in Oslo, Norway. (Per Ole Hagen/Getty Images)

Records, including email correspondence, indicate that in early 2013, Mette-Marit worked at a Palm Beach, FloridaThe royal family said the visit was arranged through a mutual friend, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported.

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In comments to The Associated Press, Mette-Marit said she failed to adequately vet Epstein’s background at the time and regretted the connection, calling it an embarrassing lapse in judgment. She also expressed her deep sympathy for the victims of the incident Epstein’s abuse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.