The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is set to go on trial in February after being accused of raping four women, an Oslo court announced on Tuesday.

The case, which has the potential to send Marius Borg Hoiby to jail for up to 10 years, represents the largest scandal to affect the Norwegian royal family.Hoiby, 28, was charged on August 18 with four rapes and 28 other crimes, including acts of violence against his former girlfriends.

Seven women are listed as victims in the case, with Hoiby accused of raping four of them, including ex-girlfriend Nora Haukland and pop singer Linni Meister.The trial is scheduled to take place at Oslo District Court from February 3 until March 13.

Hoiby was initially arrested on August 4, 2024, for allegedly assaulting his then-partner.

Although he has admitted to acts of violence in that instance, he has denied the other charges brought against him, according to his legal team.In a public statement issued shortly after his arrest, Hoiby acknowledged engaging in behavior under the influence of alcohol and cocaine following an argument.

He also revealed struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse for an extended period.The alleged rapes are said to have occurred in 2018, 2023, and 2024, with one incident occurring after the police investigation began.

No members of the royal family are set to serve as witnesses in the case.Crown Prince Haakon addressed the situation publicly on August 19, expressing his empathy for all parties involved.

However, he emphasized that it is now up to the courts to determine the final outcome.While Hoiby is not officially a member of the royal family and holds no public role within it, his connection to the Norwegian monarchy through his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has brought heightened attention to this case.

Haakon and Mette-Marit are parents to two children together: Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, both 21 and 19 years old.