Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, has been denied his request to be transferred from prison to a royal residence while awaiting the outcome of his high-profile rape case.
The 29-year-old is facing 32 charges, including alleged rape, domestic abuse against one former partner, violent acts against another, making death threats, and various traffic violations. His seven-week trial concluded in March, and he has been awaiting the court’s decision at a prison in Oslo.
Reports indicate that Høiby, the step-son of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, sought permission to complete his pre-trial detention at the royal estate of Skaugum, where his mother and stepfather reside. He cited his mother’s health condition, pulmonary fibrosis, as a reason for the request, stating that her visits to the prison were challenging due to her condition.
Høiby described his solitary confinement as a “hard life,” expressing the negative impact of isolation on his well-being, including minimal human contact, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and tremors. Despite his plea, the court rejected his request, citing a significant risk of re-offending if released.
Prosecutors highlighted Høiby’s history of violating restraining orders and deemed him a high risk for further offenses. The judge emphasized that several alleged crimes occurred in the very residence Høiby wished to return to, raising concerns about victim contact if he were allowed there.
Following the trial, prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Høiby. He will remain in custody until the sentencing, expected in early June. The Norwegian royal family did not attend the trial, releasing a statement earlier to explain their absence and express support for all involved parties.
The royal family emphasized their confidence in the legal system and extended thoughts to those affected by the case. They assured that the trial would be conducted fairly and orderly, reflecting the principles of a law-governed state.