Full Breakdown
Norwegian Appeal Court Denies Release of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Son Amid Mother’s Critical Illness
6/13/2026, 9:05:32 AM
Appeal Court Upholds Pre-Trial Detention
On 10 June 2024 the Borgarting Court of Appeal reversed a district-court order that would have released Marius Borg Høiby from pre-trial detention. The appellate judges concluded there is a “strong degree of probability” that Høiby could commit new offences if freed, and therefore ordered that he remain in custody pending the trial’s verdict.
Background: Royal Family and the Criminal Case
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. He does not hold a royal title but was raised within the Norwegian royal household. Since 1 February 2024 he has been held in Oslo prison after being arrested in August 2024 at a flat in the Frogner district. He faces a multi-count indictment that includes four alleged rapes, charges of domestic violence, threats, abusive behaviour, possession of drugs, traffic offences and a violation of a restraining order. Høiby denies all rape allegations and the most serious charges, while admitting to several lesser offences. Prosecutors have asked for a custodial sentence of seven years and seven months.
Timeline of Key Developments
- August 2024 – Høiby arrested at a woman’s flat in Oslo.
- 1 February 2024 – First placed in pre-trial detention.
- 13 May 2024 – Oslo District Court orders his release pending trial.
- 10 June 2024 – Borgarting Court of Appeal overturns the release order.
- Next Monday (date unspecified) – Verdict expected.
- Recent weeks – Crown Princess Mette-Marit placed on a lung-transplant waiting list for pulmonary fibrosis; Crown Prince Haakon cut short a state visit to Japan; Princess Ingrid Alexandra returned early from Australia.
Charges and Allegations
The indictment lists 38-40 criminal episodes spanning 2018-2024. Core counts are:
- Four alleged rapes involving women who were asleep or incapacitated after consensual sex.
- Multiple counts of domestic violence, threats, and psychological abuse.
- Drug possession and traffic violations.
- Violation of a restraining order after an earlier assault and knife-threat incident.
Why It Matters
The case pits public-safety considerations against a high-profile family’s personal tragedy. The courts have emphasized risk assessment over compassionate release, while the royal family’s visibility amplifies public scrutiny of Norway’s criminal-justice standards and the monarchy’s handling of internal crises.
Official Statements & Responses
- The appellate court cited a “strong degree of probability” of reoffending, noting Høiby’s prior breach of restraining orders.
- Prosecutor Hilde Hermanrud Strand stated that the mother’s health “is not suitable to sufficiently reduce the risk of recurrence.”
- Defence lawyer Ellen Holager Andenæs described the ruling as “very, very disappointing” and signaled a possible appeal to the Supreme Court.
- Queen Sonja, speaking on her daughter’s condition, said “the situation is serious.”
- Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited Høiby in prison after the appellate decision.
Criticism & Opposition
The defence argues that the decision disregards the humanitarian need to allow Høiby to support his mother, who faces a life-limiting lung disease. Critics within the legal community have questioned whether the risk assessment adequately weighed the extraordinary family circumstances.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of charges: some list 38, others 39 or 40 offences. All agree on four rape counts, but the total count of other offences varies. The precise date of the district-court release order is reported only as “Monday” without a specific calendar reference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sitting inside while I know my mom is so sick is unbearable.” — Marius Borg Høiby, defendant
- “We are very, very disappointed on behalf of our client. One can imagine how he feels,” — Ellen Holager Andenæs, defence lawyer
- “The mother's health situation is not suitable to sufficiently reduce the risk of recurrence,” — Hilde Hermanrud Strand, police attorney
- “the situation is serious” — Queen Sonja, Norway
- “The court said there was a “strong degree of probability” that Høiby could reoffend if released.” — Borgarting Court of Appeal
What’s Next
A verdict is slated for the coming Monday; the defence has indicated it may seek review by Norway’s Supreme Court. Crown Princess Mette-Marit remains on a transplant waiting list, and the royal family continues to manage both the legal proceedings and her deteriorating health.
