The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, will not be released from custody despite his mother's serious condition. The appellate court upheld the prosecution's position, which believes there is a high risk of him committing new crimes if released.
Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will remain in pre-trial detention. This decision was made by the appellate court, overturning an earlier ruling by the lower court that had allowed for his release, reports Welt.
According to the Norwegian state broadcaster NRK, the court concluded that there remains a high likelihood that Høiby may commit new crimes if released.
The 29-year-old Høiby had previously requested to be released from custody in order to be near his mother, who is suffering from a serious illness and is in critical condition. On Monday, a court in Oslo granted his request; however, the prosecution immediately appealed this decision, which automatically suspended its execution.
Following the new ruling from the appellate court, the defense may appeal to the Supreme Court of Norway.
"We are very, very disappointed and do not understand this decision," said Høiby’s lawyer Ellen Holager Andenæs.
What the son of the crown princess is accused of
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is accused of multiple counts of rape.
The Oslo prosecution has demanded a sentence of seven years and seven months of imprisonment for the 29-year-old Høiby.
Høiby is accused of raping four women, as well as psychological abuse of several former partners. Additionally, he faces charges of domestic violence, property damage, and a number of offenses related to drugs and traffic.
In total, the indictment includes 38 episodes related to events from 2018 to 2024. An investigation into him has been ongoing since 2024.
The trial against Marius Borg Høiby is nearing completion. A verdict is expected to be announced as early as next Monday.
Serious condition of Mette-Marit
An additional factor in the case has been the deterioration of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health.
For the past few years, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon has been battling a chronic incurable disease — pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, her condition has worsened to the point that she has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.
According to Norwegian media, being placed on such a list usually means that without a transplant, the patient may have less than a year to live.
In her daily life, the crown princess is already forced to use oxygen equipment.
Due to her mother’s deteriorating condition, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra has returned home early from Australia, where she is studying. Crown Prince Haakon has also shortened his official trip to Japan to be with his wife.
"Every visit could be the last"
During the hearings, Høiby emphasized that he is extremely distressed about his mother’s illness.
"Sitting here while my mom is so seriously ill is unbearable," the publication Verdens Gang quotes him as saying.
According to the accused, every visit from Mette-Marit to the prison could be the last.
Previously, Høiby had attempted to secure release under electronic monitoring with a special bracelet. In May, his request was denied, and the case reached the highest court in the country.
This time, the lawyers cited the sharp deterioration in the crown princess’s health; however, the appellate court deemed these circumstances insufficient for the release of the accused.
The judicial drama surrounding Marius Borg Høiby unfolds against the backdrop of a heavy family tragedy for the Norwegian royal family. Despite Mette-Marit’s serious illness and her son’s pleas to allow him to be near his mother, the judges considered public safety concerns to be paramount. Now, the country’s attention is focused on the verdict, which will be announced in the coming days.
