When Marius Borg Høiby stands up in room 250 at Oslo district court on Tuesday, at the start of Norway's biggest trial in years, he will have no moral support from his closest relatives. His mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit will not be there, nor will the man she married when her son was four - the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon.
For the next seven weeks, there will be no pictures of the blond 29-year-old either inside the court or outside - the court has banned them - but the world's press is here in numbers, and the Norwegian palace is keeping well away.
Høiby is accused of 38 charges, including the rape of four women, assaulting and threatening a girlfriend, damaging her flat, as well as drugs charges and driving offences. If found guilty, he could face more than 10 years in jail.
The palace stresses Høiby is not part of the royal family and that he is not a public figure. However, he is regarded as a close family member by his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon and King Harald V, who he has known for much of his life as his grandfather.
Ulf Andre Andersen, who broke the story for Se og Hør magazine, claims this is a very dangerous moment for the royal family, which has always been expected to be role models. The charges against Høiby are serious and have cast a shadow over the monarchy's reputation.
Høiby has admitted to some lesser offences but denies most allegations, especially the charges regarding sexual abuse and violence. Testimony is anticipated from several women, alongside the allegations made by his former girlfriend Nora Haukland, who exposed a history of abuse.
Crown Prince Haakon expressed care for the women involved when speaking to reporters, emphasizing the need for compassion during this difficult time. The scandal within the royal family comes amid ongoing scrutiny and challenges, particularly regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health and revelations from the past linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
The monarchy remains widely respected, boasting a public support of 73%. However, ongoing legal proceedings and personal struggles within the royal family have sparked discussions about their future as Norway's symbols of unity and stability.
