OSLO  –  Norway’s usually private royal family is under intense public scrutiny this week as the rape trial of the crown prince’s stepson begins days after a tranche of newly released Epstein files appear to link the crown princess to the late abuse offender. Marius Borg Høiby, 29, appeared at Oslo District Court Tuesday for the start of a trial expected to last seven weeks, in what experts say is an unprecedented moment for a royal family known for its projection of stability. He denied the allegations of rape. He has been charged with 38 counts, including rape and repeated abuse of his former partner. The alleged violence includes repeatedly striking his girlfriend in the face, choking her, making threats and destroying her property, according to indictment documents seen by CNN. If convicted, Høiby could face more than 10 years in prison, according to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK. In the courtroom, Høiby pleaded not guilty to four counts of abuse, NRK reported, adding the crown princess’ son spoke quietly and wore a brown sweater, beige trousers and glasses. He also denied filming women without their knowledge and for abuse in close relationships. Høiby, the stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, is outside Norway’s line of royal succession because he was born before his mother, Mette-Marit, married Haakon and became a princess in 2001. Defense attorney Petar Sekulic said late last year in response to the indictment that Høiby “denies all charges of abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence.” Høiby will “present a detailed account of his version of events before the court,” Sekulic added. On Tuesday, Høiby admitted culpability for bodily harm and partially admitted culpability for the charge of gross bodily harm, as well as other drug and driving offences, NRK said. Høiby is due to testify today (Wednesday). The trial follows the latest release on Friday of more Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Justice Department, which include scores of emails between Epstein and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Ahead of his trial, Høiby was arrested on further charges Sunday evening including making threats involving a knife and breaching a restraining order, police prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski said Monday. While shocked by the allegations, Norwegians will be following the trial mostly out of concern for the broader family, which is generally well-liked and led by the popular “grandfather figure” of King Harald, royal experts say. 

Harald has been king of Norway since 1991 and is Europe’s oldest monarch.