A trial that could mark a turning point for Norway’s monarchy begins in early February in Oslo. Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, faces multiple charges of rape, assault and drug offences. In the biggest scandal to rock Norway's monarchy, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit goes on trial Tuesday accused of raping four women, as well as drug and assault offences. AdvertisementTarnished crownThe case also deeply embarrassed the royal family, especially his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who suffers from an incurable lung illness and who is torn between her role as mother and future queen. READ MORE: Norway's crown princess likely to undergo lung transplantAdvertisementProsecutor Sturla Henriksbo has insisted that all people are equal in the eyes of the law, "regardless of their social status, origin or family ties".