The eldest son of Norway’s crown princess is set to go on trial Tuesday in Oslo on multiple criminal charges, including rape, in a high-profile case that has drawn intense scrutiny and cast a shadow over the royal family.

Marius Borg Høiby, 29, will appear before the Oslo District Court after being indicted in August following a lengthy police investigation. Prosecutors have brought 38 charges against him, including rape, abuse in a close relationship involving a former partner, violent acts against another partner, and drug offenses related to the transport of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of marijuana. Additional charges include making death threats and traffic violations.

Prosecutors say Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to run through mid-March.

Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. He holds no royal title and performs no official duties.

The indictment centers on four alleged rapes between 2018 and November 2024, accusations of violence and threats against one former partner between mid-2022 and late 2023, and two alleged assaults against a subsequent partner, along with violations of a restraining order.

Høiby has been under public scrutiny since multiple arrests in 2024 related to the allegations. He has remained free while awaiting trial.

His defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, said at the time of the indictment that Høiby denies all charges of sexual abuse and most of the allegations involving violence. Sekulic said his client will present his own detailed account of events during the trial.

In a rare public comment, Crown Prince Haakon said last week that he and Crown Princess Mette-Marit do not plan to attend the trial and that the royal household will not comment while proceedings are underway.

Haakon emphasized that Høiby is not a member of the royal house and, as a Norwegian citizen, is subject to the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else. He said he was confident the trial would be conducted in an orderly and fair manner.

Norway’s royal family generally enjoys broad public support, but the case involving Høiby has proven to be a significant reputational challenge.