The trial of the son of Norway’s crown princess began on Tuesday on multiple charges, including rape, launching weeks of legal proceedings in a case that has shaken the image of the country’s royal family.

The defendant, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon.

Høiby holds no royal title and has no official duties or public role within the monarchy.

There was no immediate comment from the royal palace, and details of the first court session were not immediately available.