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Norway’s Royals Face Scrutiny as Stepson Faces Rape Trial

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Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, has gone on trial in Oslo district court, facing 38 charges including rape, assault, drug offenses, and property damage. The court has banned photography during the seven-week trial, and the royal family, including his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, will not attend. Høiby has admitted to some lesser offenses, but denies the most serious sexual assault allegations.

The case has put Norway’s royal family under an intense media spotlight, despite Høiby not being an official royal. The trial involves testimonies from multiple women, including former girlfriend and social influencer Nora Haukland, highlighting serious allegations of physical abuse and sexual assault. Norwegian media describe the case as the biggest scandal the royal family has faced in recent history.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is battling pulmonary fibrosis, limiting her public engagement, while other senior royals continue to support victims and navigate the delicate balance between family loyalty and public responsibility. The monarchy remains widely respected in Norway, with polls showing 73% of citizens continue to support the royal institution despite the ongoing trial.

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Meghan Markle: ‘We’ve forgotten our humanity’ on social media

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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, delivered a poignant keynote address at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, where she candidly criticized the toxicity prevalent on social media platforms. Revealing her own experiences of being targeted with bullying and abuse, particularly during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, Meghan highlighted the disturbing lack of humanity in certain online spaces. Despite the challenges she faced, Meghan emphasized the importance of maintaining one’s wellbeing and advocated for a shift towards more positive and empathetic interactions online.

Meghan’s appearance at SXSW underscored her commitment to addressing pressing societal issues, particularly those concerning women’s empowerment and representation. As she shared her insights on diverse representation in media and the portrayal of motherhood, Meghan reiterated the urgency of fostering a more inclusive and compassionate digital landscape. Through her advocacy and speaking engagements, Meghan continues to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for meaningful change on both local and global platforms.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny and criticism that Meghan and Prince Harry face, particularly from tabloid media, their dedication to philanthropy and social activism remains unwavering. Since relocating to California and establishing the Archewell Foundation, the couple has utilized their platform to champion causes close to their hearts, from mental health awareness to environmental conservation. While navigating the complexities of public life, Meghan and Harry continue to prioritize making a positive impact and inspiring others to do the same.

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The Crown: Netflix’s royal drama featuring Diana’s ghost savaged by critics

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The first four episodes of Netflix’s The Crown, marking the final season, have faced criticism from a majority of critics. This season delves into the events of the late 1990s, with a particular focus on Princess Diana’s relationship with Dodi Fayed and her tragic death. The portrayal of Diana’s character, including the use of her “ghost,” has garnered negative feedback from reviewers, with some describing it as a departure from the show’s earlier strengths.

Critics express dissatisfaction with the writing, with The Guardian giving the series a one-star review, stating that the “Diana-obsessed series is the very definition of bad writing.” The challenges of portraying events within living memory are noted, with some suggesting that the show has lost its balance and is now plummeting in quality.

Despite the negative feedback, there are acknowledgments of strong performances from the cast. Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Diana receives praise, with one review calling it “outstanding.” However, the use of Diana’s ghost and the handling of certain events, such as the car crash scene, have been criticized as desperate or self-defeating.

While The Times offers a four-star review, praising the emotional depth of the season, other critics point out what they perceive as historical inaccuracies and a reliance on speculative elements. The Financial Times suggests that the series takes emotive shortcuts, externalizing the complexity of the royals’ shock and grief, indicating a lack of inspiration.

The Crown has also faced criticism for its depiction of other characters, including Dodi Fayed and his father Mohamed Al-Fayed. Some critics argue that certain portrayals amount to a brutal hatchet job on these characters, deviating from the more nuanced versions presented in earlier seasons.

Despite the mixed reviews, Variety’s Aramide Tinubu believes that the new season has helped the show “reclaim its glittering throne.” The second half of the final season, set to be released in December, will cover additional significant events in the royal family, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding, and the courtship of William and Kate.

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