Royal Offspring Testifies in Rape Case
An emotionally overwhelmed male offspring of a Norwegian royal figure recently took the stand in his own rape trial. At 29 years old, the accused stands trial for rape and multiple other serious offenses.
His demeanor showed the weight of the situation, as he frequently stopped his testimony to remove his glasses and wipe his eyes. He admitted to finding it tough to discuss the allegations and expressed his frustrations of being under media scrutiny since childhood.
Despite the charges against him, he maintains his innocence, adamantly denying all four rape allegations and all other serious charges.
Alleged Victims Testify
His testimony followed that of one of the alleged victims, who suggested that she had been drugged during a gathering at the home of the accused's parents. She expressed her feelings of "betrayal and shock" when police showed her videos, allegedly featuring the accused sexually assaulting her after a brief consensual encounter.
She reported a gap in her memory and claimed she had no recollection of the alleged assault. The court has taken measures to protect the victims' identities and prevent any photographs of the defendant from circulating during the trial.
The Accused's Background
The accused, born four years before his mother's marriage to the Norwegian Crown Prince, holds no official royal title or public role. His first court appearance was visibly difficult for him; he was visibly shaken and is reported to have received overnight hospital treatment.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of assault and knife possession and held in custody for a month. He was not returned to custody prior to making his statement to the court.
Testimony from the Defendant
Once he regained his composure in court, he admitted to a lifestyle filled with sex, drugs, and alcohol, driven by a deep need for validation. He summed up his public persona in one bitter statement: "I am known for being Mamma's son. Nothing else."
He painted a vivid picture of his life, filled with parties, alcohol, and occasional drug use. This difficult period for his family is compounded by recent revelations about his mother's past correspondence with a notorious sex offender.
A Tense Time for the Royal Family
In the midst of the trial, it was announced that his mother, the Crown Princess, had postponed a private trip indefinitely, without providing any additional information. She has previously expressed regret over her correspondence with the sex offender, which has added pressure to the royal household during an already difficult time.
The defendant was initially arrested after a violent episode at his girlfriend's apartment. He has previously spoken about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
After a thorough police investigation, he now faces a multitude of serious charges, including rape, assault, threats of violence, property damage, drug-related offenses, and driving violations. If convicted, he could face a minimum of 10 years in prison.
The Charges
He is accused of raping four women between 2018 and 2024, all of whom allege that the assaults occurred after consensual sex, while they were either asleep or incapacitated. One charge involves full intercourse, and the remaining three involve sexual assault, which is considered rape under Norwegian law.
Defendant's Behavior in Court
Throughout his testimony, the defendant maintained eye contact with the judges, speaking uninterrupted for about half an hour. He did not look at his notes or glance towards the two women who had accused him of rape and were present in court.
He shared his account of meeting the first woman he is accused of raping at a party, where he tried cocaine for the first time. He contested her account of what took place, stating that he had no recollection of recording any videos or of their brief consensual encounter in a restroom. He asserted that they had gone to bed together and had consensual intercourse.