Story perspectives

Marius Borg Høiby Attends Harald V’s Funeral on House Arrest

9/7/2026

Summary

Høiby Walks Funeral

Marius Borg Høiby, a convicted rapist, walked behind the casket at the private royal funeral.
He attended the ceremony with permission while serving house arrest at Skaugum estate.
Norwegian public opinion is split, with some sympathising and others questioning his presence at the historic ceremony.
Queen Consort Mette-Marit, recovering from a lung transplant, faced scrutiny over her son’s involvement and her health.

Summary

Prince William Attends Funeral

Prince William will attend King Harald V’s funeral on 9 September, representing Charles III.
Princess Anne will attend privately as godmother to new monarch King Haakon VIII.
King Charles III called Harald a “dear cousin” and praised his dedication to Norway.
The funeral will be at Oslo Cathedral at 13:00, followed by burial at Akershus Fortress.
Olav Fykse Tveit will lead the service, assisted by Bishop Sunniva Gylver.

History

Historical Context

When King Olav V of Norway died in 1991, his state funeral at Oslo Cathedral drew nationwide mourning and strict protocol enforcement. The ceremony attracted 2.5 million television viewers, and Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland publicly praised the royal family's unity. Today's funeral of King Harald V mirrors that precedent, as Prince William and Princess Anne join Norwegian dignitaries while controversy surrounds convicted rapist Marius Borg Høiby’s presence. The recurrence underscores how royal rites balance tradition, international representation, and public scrutiny, influencing future protocol revisions for European monarchies.

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Høiby Walks Funeral

Marius Borg Høiby, a convicted rapist, walked behind the casket at the private royal funeral.
He attended the ceremony with permission while serving house arrest at Skaugum estate.
Norwegian public opinion is split, with some sympathising and others questioning his presence at the historic ceremony.
Queen Consort Mette-Marit, recovering from a lung transplant, faced scrutiny over her son’s involvement and her health.

1 / 3