Norwegian Queen's son wants out of custody. Police oppose
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Queen Mette-Marit, wants to be released from house arrest. In June, he was sentenced to four years in prison, including for two rapes, but appealed part of the verdict. Police are seeking another four weeks of supervision, fearing he could commit new crimes against his former partner.
Oslo District Court. File photo.
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What was the Queen's son convicted of?
Høiby is Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship. He has no official duties within the Norwegian royal family.
As VG recalls, an Oslo court found him guilty of raping two sleeping women and of domestic violence against his former partner, Nora Haukland. He was also convicted, among other things, of violating a no-contact order. The total sentence was four years in prison.
Høiby appealed the rape and domestic violence convictions. In this part, the verdict is not final. The prosecution also filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence was too lenient. Appeal hearings are scheduled to begin on February 9, 2027.
As VG recalls, an Oslo court found him guilty of raping two sleeping women and of domestic violence against his former partner, Nora Haukland. He was also convicted, among other things, of violating a no-contact order. The total sentence was four years in prison.
Høiby appealed the rape and domestic violence convictions. In this part, the verdict is not final. The prosecution also filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence was too lenient. Appeal hearings are scheduled to begin on February 9, 2027.
Why do police want his custody extended?
According to Nettavisen, police fear that after his release, Høiby could again commit crimes against another former partner. Norwegian media do not disclose her name and refer to her as the woman from Frogner. It is the risk of further crimes that police cite to justify their request for continued custody.
The 29-year-old was arrested in February, before the trial began. He was initially held in an Oslo prison. Since July 13, he has been staying at Skaugum, the royal estate in Asker, wearing an electronic ankle monitor. He remains in custody: he cannot leave freely and must comply with conditions set by the court.
The 29-year-old was arrested in February, before the trial began. He was initially held in an Oslo prison. Since July 13, he has been staying at Skaugum, the royal estate in Asker, wearing an electronic ankle monitor. He remains in custody: he cannot leave freely and must comply with conditions set by the court.
Defense wants witness heard without media present
Attorney Alexander Greaker believes there are no grounds for continued custody. He also says that the current situation is very burdensome for Høiby. The Queen's son wants to tell the court about it in person.
The defense is also planning to call a witness whose name has not yet been disclosed. It wants the witness to testify without members of the public or journalists present. The court has yet to decide whether to allow this.
The hearing will take place on Monday, November 2. The court will decide whether Høiby should remain in custody. Any release would not invalidate the June verdict or end the appeal proceedings.
The defense is also planning to call a witness whose name has not yet been disclosed. It wants the witness to testify without members of the public or journalists present. The court has yet to decide whether to allow this.
The hearing will take place on Monday, November 2. The court will decide whether Høiby should remain in custody. Any release would not invalidate the June verdict or end the appeal proceedings.
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