Norwegian court keeps Marius Borg Høiby in custody as rape trial of Crown Princess's son awaits verdict

On 6 May 2026, Oslo District Court judge Hans Nikolai Førde rejected a request to release Marius Borg Høiby — the 29-year-old eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, from a relationship predating her 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon — keeping him detained while the court prepares its verdict. According to News in English, the judge ruled after a 15-minute deliberation that 'the danger of further violations had not declined,' citing concern over phone access and Høiby's record of ignoring restraining orders. Høiby has no place in the line of succession but was raised within the royal household alongside Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.

His trial in Oslo District Court, which ran earlier in 2026, concerned an indictment that grew to dozens of counts, including multiple counts of rape (reported by outlets as four alleged victims) plus domestic violence, assault, vandalism, drug and driving offences. He pleaded not guilty to the rape charges while admitting some lesser offences. Prosecutors requested a prison term reported at a minimum of seven years (CBS/AFP cited a maximum exposure of about 16 years).

Hola! reported (20 May) that Høiby's defence pursued a final appeal toward Norway's Supreme Court ahead of sentencing, with a ruling expected in mid-June 2026. Norwegian and international media noted media allegations that Mette-Marit had been accused of warning her son about his arrest — claims that remain contested and unproven.