Norwegian Courts Deny Release of Crown Princess' Son

On June 10, a Norwegian appeals court reversed a lower court order that had released 29‑year‑old Marius Borg Høiby from custody. The move came after the younger brother of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit petitioned for the right to leave the prison to attend to his mother’s deteriorating health.

The princess, 52, has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that has placed her on a transplant waiting list. Høiby, who has been in custody since February following an arrest in August 2024, faced 40 criminal charges. The most serious of these are four counts of rape, for which prosecutors seek a seven‑year sentence. He has also admitted to drug possession, traffic violations and other offenses.

Earlier on Monday, a Oslo court had granted him temporary release, citing the emotional strain his imprisonment would place on his mother. The prosecutor’s office, however, immediately lodged an appeal that halted that order. In its decision, the appeals court emphasised that the risk of re‑offending remained “virtually unchanged” since the initial release.

The ruling states: “As the Court of Appeals sees it, this is not a question of will, but a question of ability, lifestyle and risk factors.” It further notes that while some inmates may have family members with serious illnesses, the courts are bound to treat all cases equally, without special consideration.

Høiby had expressed that “sitting inside while I know Mum is so sick is unbearable,” but the court deemed the risk assessment to outweigh the compassionate request. The verdict is expected on June 15 after the trial’s conclusion.

This case underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to safeguard public confidence in the criminal justice system, even when personal tragedies loom large. The court’s decision reflects a strict application of legal standards, prioritising the interests of public safety over individual circumstances.