Norway's Crown Prince Haakon said on Tuesday the royal family would continue to carry out official duties while his stepson stands trial next year accused of rape, adding that this is a challenging time for everyone involved.

The eldest son of Norway's crown princess has been charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape, a prosecutor says. The charges against Marius Borg Høiby, 28, include the abuse of a former partner and violations of restraining orders against another former partner.

Marius Borg Høiby, 27, Mette-Marit's son from before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, was arrested in August 2024 after authorities alleged he "attacked" a 20-year-old woman "psychologically and physically," according to a report from Norwegian outlet Se og Hør.