Norway’s Crown Prince speaks for first time since his stepson was charged with rape

The heir to the throne of Norway has spoken publicly for the first time since his stepson was charged with rape and said the matter is only for the courts.

Crown Prince Haakon made his comments just 24 hours after his stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, was formally charged with 32 offences including four counts of rape.

The 28 year old, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is also accused of sexual assault and bodily harm, involving multiple victims. He denies all the charges.

Haakon, 52, was asked by reporters about the charges as he took on his first public engagement since Oslo prosecutors announced the chares on August 18.

He said ”it will be the courts who decide in the end.”

The future king has maintained the same stance since it first emerged last August that Marius Borg Hoiby was under investigation.

Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marot from a prior relationship. He was first arrested in August on suspicion of causing bodily harm to an unnamed woman. Borg Hoiby was also arrested on 15 September for violating the restraining order put in place around the woman concerned. 

It was reported that the Crown Prince had taken Borg Høiby to rehab in early November. The Norwegian Royal Family did not publicly confirm or deny that. 

Borg Hoiby will now face trial with the possibility of a ten year sentence if he is found guilty of the most serious charges.