Closing arguments have begun in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, at Oslo District Court. The 29-year-old, referred to as the "bonus prince," is charged with 40 crimes, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, repeated violations of restraining orders, and drug offenses. According to TV4 Nyheterna, the trial has lasted six weeks, with 70 witnesses heard.
The prosecution is reportedly proposing a prison sentence, while the defense will present its view on the appropriate penalty. Olav Rønneberg, a crime commentator for Norwegian TV2, told TV4 Nyheterna that Borg Høiby will likely receive a prison sentence regardless of the outcome on all charges, estimating it could range from one to two years, or up to ten years if convicted on the entire indictment. Rønneberg reportedly said it is unlikely Borg Høiby will be convicted on all 40 charges, as the evidence varies in strength, with some charges possibly leading to acquittals.
Borg Høiby will likely receive a prison sentence regardless of the outcome on all charges, estimating it could range from one to two years, or up to ten years if convicted on the entire indictment.
He noted that the evidence differs in the rape cases, with some involving photos and videos, and mentioned that a sleep researcher expressed certainty in one case but uncertainty in others, which could create doubt. According to TV4 Nyheterna, Borg Høiby denies the most serious charges but has admitted to some crimes, including violence and possession of large amounts of drugs.
It is unlikely Borg Høiby will be convicted on all 40 charges, as the evidence varies in strength, with some charges possibly leading to acquittals.
The evidence differs in the rape cases, with some involving photos and videos, and mentioned that a sleep researcher expressed certainty in one case but uncertainty in others, which could create doubt.
Borg Høiby is not a monster, responding to Borg Høiby's own comment that he is seen as a monster and 'the whole of Norway's object of hatred.'