Full Breakdown
Verdict Looms for Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Son Marius Borg Høiby
6/14/2026, 9:01:47 AM
Core Event: Pending Verdict in Oslo District Court
On Monday, Oslo District Court will deliver a verdict for Marius Borg Høiby, 29, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. He will hear the decision via video link. The trial ended with 40 charges, including four rapes. Prosecutors seek seven years and seven months in prison; the defence asks for one and a half years. Høiby has been in detention since early February.
Background & Context
Marius Borg Høiby grew up with the royal children after his mother married Crown Prince Haakon. Though not a formal royal, his case has attracted scrutiny, heightened by Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s pulmonary fibrosis and placement on a lung-transplant list. Earlier revelations of her three-year friendship with Jeffrey Epstein have also kept the family in the spotlight.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- August 2024 – Arrest on assault and restraining-order suspicion.
- February 2024 – Detained, later transferred to Ila prison.
- March 2024 – Trial concluded.
- May 2024 – Release request denied.
- Early June 2024 – Lower court granted emergency release; prosecution appealed.
- Mid-June 2024 – Appeal court reversed release, citing reoffending risk.
- 15 June 2024 – Verdict scheduled.
Charges & Potential Sentence
The indictment contains 40 counts, including four rapes, psychological and physical abuse of former partners, domestic violence, knife threats, property damage, trafficking 3.5 kg of marijuana, reckless driving and unlicensed driving. Prosecutors seek convictions on 39 counts and a custodial term of seven years and seven months. The defence admits some lesser offences but denies the most serious allegations.
Official Statements & Responses
Defence counsel Ellen Holager Andenæs called the appellate ruling “very, very disappointing” and said an appeal to the Supreme Court is possible. Crown Prince Haakon said he must support his son while respecting the women who testified, stressing the need to listen to victims. Prosecutors argue the alleged crimes merit the maximum custodial term. The appellate court found a strong probability that Høiby would reoffend if released, referencing his restraining-order breaches.
Criticism & Opposition
Peggy Simcic Brønn, professor at BI Norwegian Business School, said the case is “an institutional crisis, a huge crisis of trust,” and warned of international furore if the royal house does not address it.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites 38 episodes from 2018-2024, another lists 40 counts. Prosecutors seek convictions on 39 charges, but the indictment contains 40, leaving one charge’s status unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are very, very disappointed and do not understand this decision,” — Ellen Holager Andenæs, defence lawyer
- “Sitting here while my mom is so seriously ill is unbearable,” — Marius Borg Høiby
- “The appellate judge ruled that: There remains a “strong degree of probability” that Høiby would commit new offenses if released.” — Borgarting Court of Appeal judge
- “Things cannot go on as they are, they just can't. This is an institutional crisis, and it's a huge crisis of trust,” — Peggy Simcic Brønn, professor
