Court Keeps Crown Princess’s Son in Jail Ahead of Rape Verdict

An appeal court in Oslo overruled a lower court’s decision to free Marius Borg Høiby, the 29‑year‑old son of Norway’s crown princess, after a review of the case’s risk factors. The court cited the unchanged risk of re‑offending and the likelihood that Høiby could contact the alleged victim again.

Høiby has been in custody since early February. He faces 40 criminal charges, including four counts of rape that he denies. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of seven years and seven months. In addition, he has admitted to lesser offences such as drug possession and traffic violations.

The appeal court’s decision came after a lower district court had ordered his release on Monday to allow him to visit his ailing mother, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and has been placed on a lung‑transplant waiting list. The district court had ruled that keeping Høiby in jail was disproportionately intrusive given his drug‑free record and the need for family proximity.

The appeal court rejected those arguments, stating that the risk to the public remained virtually unchanged. Court officials highlighted that the possibility of further contact with the “Frogner woman” – the woman whose home the alleged crimes began in – could not be ruled out.

Høiby’s legal team expressed disappointment, describing the decision as “very, very” disheartening. One lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, emphasised the emotional toll that isolation would have on him, especially as his mother’s health deteriorates.

The case has attracted public attention due to the royal connection and the princess’s prior relationships. The crown prince and princess, as well as the royal family’s other members, have visited Høiby in prison and attended meetings with the princess’s doctors. Their involvement has added further scrutiny to the case.

The court sequence reflects Norway’s broader discussion on balancing individual rights, public safety, and the impact of high‑profile cases. With the verdict set for next Monday, all eyes remain on the outcome and the potential implications for the royal household.