Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has begun serving a period of house arrest under electronic monitoring as he appeals his recent conviction. The 29-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison for a series of serious offenses, including rape, following a widely publicised trial that drew significant attention in Norway.
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On July 14, Norwegian news outlet VG reported that Høiby would be transitioning from prison to house arrest for a duration of four weeks while he contests his sentence. He is expected to reside in a property near Skaugum, the royal residence of his mother and stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, located in Asker, Norway.
The case has generated considerable media coverage and scrutiny, particularly due to Høiby’s familial connections to the royal family. A spokesperson for the Royal House communicated that Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are keen to provide support to their son during this challenging time. Guri Varpe, head of communication for the Royal House, stated that the couple is focused on assisting Marius as he navigates this difficult phase of his life.
Høiby is the child of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. He does not have an official royal role and is not in line for the throne. His legal troubles began earlier this year when he was detained on charges, including assault and violation of a restraining order, just days before his high-profile trial commenced.
The trial itself spanned six weeks and culminated in a verdict delivered on June 15, where Høiby was found guilty of multiple crimes, including two counts of rape. He also received a two-year restraining order concerning one of his victims. This ruling came nearly two years after his initial arrest in August 2021, following an alleged attack on a 20-year-old woman. The investigation expanded as other former partners stepped forward with their own allegations against him.
In total, Høiby faced 38 charges related to alleged sexual abuse and assault. As news of his appeal emerged, it was clarified that the sentence is not yet final. He made an appearance in the Oslo District Court on July 13, where the judge ruled that there was a risk of recidivism, which necessitated further monitoring. The court decided that he would serve the additional weeks of custody at home while wearing an electronic anklet.
Concerns have been expressed regarding Høiby’s previous relationship with a woman referred to as the “Frogner woman,” with whom he had a tumultuous history. During court proceedings, he affirmed that there was no desire for contact between them, stating he would call the police if she were to appear at his residence.
In a separate but notable development, Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently been discharged from the hospital following a lung transplant. The Royal House announced on June 17 that the surgery was necessary due to a worsening condition stemming from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a long-term and incurable lung disease she was diagnosed with in 2018. In her statement following the surgery, she expressed deep gratitude to the organ donors, her family, medical team, and supporters throughout the country.
The Crown Princess described the experience and outcome of her surgery as a “gift of life,” articulating her overwhelming appreciation for those who made her transplant possible. She stated that words could not sufficiently capture her feelings of gratitude and humility.
These recent developments come at a time of considerable scrutiny for the Norwegian monarchy, as they navigate both personal and public challenges. While Marius Høiby’s legal situation unfolds, Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health and recovery remain a focal point for the royal family and their supporters alike. As Marius embarks on this new chapter in house arrest, the royal family continues to grapple with the complexities of familial support amidst troubling allegations and ongoing legal proceedings.