In a poignant moment for the Norwegian royal family, Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Queen Mette-Marit, participated in the funeral procession for his step-grandfather, the late King Harald V, despite currently serving house arrest. Høiby was granted special permission to attend certain funeral events, allowing him to honour the late monarch after his passing on 28 August 2026.
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Høiby, who is not in the line of succession to the throne, took part in a solemn procession through the Royal Palace in Oslo on 31 August, flanked by members of the royal family. This occasion saw King Harald’s coffin moved from the Red Salon to the Palace Chapel, where it will remain until the state funeral scheduled for 9 September.
The procession was led by King Haakon, the new monarch, alongside his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is set to inherit the throne. The event, attended by eight members of the royal family, was marked by a sense of gravitas as they accompanied the King’s coffin. The coffin’s transport was overseen by royal officials who carried significant symbols of the monarchy, including the Crown of Norway and the kingdom’s sword.
While Høiby attended the procession, he remained under house arrest at Skaugum, the royal estate, where he has been confined following a conviction for two counts of rape and several other offences. His legal troubles have drawn considerable public attention and sparked discussions about his position in relation to the royal family. Despite his convictions, he was allowed to visit King Harald in hospital prior to the monarch’s death and is expected to attend the official funeral to pay his respects.
Initially sentenced to four years for his crimes, Høiby has been appealing his sentence since being transferred to house arrest in July. His previous custody began in February when he faced multiple charges, including assault and violations of a restraining order. Throughout this period, he was subject to substantial media scrutiny, and his situation has inevitably cast a shadow on his family’s royal status.
Queen Mette-Marit, who has remained largely quiet on her son’s legal issues, has expressed her desire to support him during this challenging time. A representative from the Royal House stated that both she and her husband, King Haakon, hope to assist Høiby while he navigates this difficult phase of his life. Høiby bears no royal title and has not played an official role in the royal duties, although he has attended various events with the family prior to his arrest.
In light of the controversy surrounding his recent actions, King Haakon publicly addressed the situation during Høiby’s trial. He expressed empathy for all those affected by the case while affirming a commitment to legal processes that uphold justice. The monarch acknowledged Høiby’s importance as a family member, despite clarifying that he is not an official member of the Royal House.
As the royal family copes with their loss, they also face substantial health challenges. Alongside King Harald’s death, Queen Mette-Marit recently underwent a successful lung transplant following a long battle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Her recovery has temporarily limited her public engagements, although she managed to attend the procession on Monday, just a day after missing a memorial service for the late King.
During her convalescence, Mette-Marit shared her profound gratitude towards organ donors and expressed thanks to her medical team and supporters from across Norway. Her message reflected both a personal moment of reflection and a public acknowledgment of the gifts of life and health, resonating with many who have faced similar struggles.
This period remains tumultuous for the Norwegian royal family, marked by both loss and the challenges of navigating complex personal issues. With the state funeral fast approaching, the family and the nation prepare to bid farewell to a monarch who served with grace and dignity while openly confronting the pressing issues surrounding familial ties and public expectations.