Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty The Norwegian Royal Palace has made a new statement about Crown Princess Mette-Marit after her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was indicted on 32 charges, including rape Marius is Mette-Marit's 28-year-old son from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon Crown Prince Haakon said that the royal family plans to continue with its public work when Marius' trial begins in 2026 The Norwegian Royal Palace released a new statement aboutCrown Princess Mette-Maritthe day after her son, Marius Borg Høiby, wascharged with 32 crimes, including rape, domestic violence and assault. Crown Princess Mette-Marit turned 52 on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and the royal court released a new portrait of her to commemorate the occasion. "Happy birthday to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who celebrates her birthday today!" courtiers wrote below the photo with emojis of a smiling face and sparkles. The undated photo was credited to Carina Johansen, NTB, and showed Mette-Marit softly smiling and gazing past the camera. Crown Princess Mette-Marit's birthday fell on the day after major news for her family. On Aug. 18, Norway's state prosecutor charged her son Marius with 32 crimes, including one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse,CBSandReutersreported. Marius, 28, is Mette-Marit's son from a relationship before her marriage toCrown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne and future king of Norway. In August 2024,Marius was arrestedafter authorities alleged he "attacked" a 20-year-old woman "psychologically and physically,"Se og Hørreported at the time. LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP/Getty According toReuters, Marius' attorney said that he denies the most serious allegations, including those of rape and domestic violence, but intends to plead guilty to some of the lesser charges in court when the trial begins. The trial is expected to kick off in January 2026 and run for six weeks, and the maximum penalty is imprisonment for up to 10 years. On Aug. 19, Crown Prince Haakon, 52,broke his silenceafter his stepson was indicted and underscored that the royal family would continue with their public work when Marius heads to trial next year. "We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do. Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult," Crown Prince Haakon said at the opening of an industry conference. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit share childrenPrincess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, and Mette-Marit's son Marius does not hold a working royal role. He is not in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne, and in 2017,it was announced that he would lead a private life. Though Marius does not have the obligation of official duties, he often joins his royal relatives for special occasions and festive events. LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! He was last photographed with the royal family at the18th birthday celebrationsfor Princess Ingrid Alexandra in 2022. Read the original article onPeople