Royal Scandal: Norway's Crown Faces Legal Turmoil Amid Serious Allegations

Norway finds itself amidst a royal scandal, as Crown Prince Haakon confirmed the continuation of official duties by the royal family despite legal turmoil involving his stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby. Hoiby, charged with rape and domestic violence, is set to face trial next year.

Hoiby, denying the gravest accusations, intends to plead guilty to minor offenses when the trial commences come January. If convicted of the most severe charges, he risks a ten-year prison sentence, according to the prosecutor overseeing the case, which is anticipated to last six weeks.

The case traces back to an investigation initiated in August of last year. Hoiby admitted to causing harm to a woman amid drug and alcohol influence, as publicly stated during the early stages of the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)