Oslo Appeal Court Denies Release for Crown Princess' Son Ahead of Verdict
Norway's Appeal Court upheld the custody of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, despite his request to be near his ailing mother, as his trial on multiple drug and assault charges continues.
Oslo's Court of Appeal on Wednesday rejected a request by Marius Borg Høiby, 29, to be released from custody before his scheduled verdict on June 15. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been detained since February while facing 40 charges that include drug offenses, violating a restraining order and alleged abuse of several women.
Høiby argued that remaining in prison was "unbearable" because his mother is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and is on a national waiting list for a lung transplant. He had previously been granted a temporary release by the Oslo District Court, which cited a low risk of reoffending and his abstinence from illicit substances while incarcerated. The appellate judges disagreed, stating that the risk of further offenses justified continued detention.
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of seven years and seven months. Høiby’s defence team, led by lawyers Petar Sekulic and Ellen Holager Andenæs, expressed disappointment with the decision, noting the emotional strain on their client.
During the trial, former partner Nora Haukland testified that Høiby had engaged in manipulation, intimidation and physical aggression in their relationship, allegations the defendant denied, describing the claims as "absurd" and expressing anger at the portrayal of his parents. The court paused proceedings briefly to allow Høiby to regain composure after emotional testimony.
The case has drawn additional public attention due to the Crown Princess’s past correspondence with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, which she publicly apologized for in early February.