Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Queen Mette-Marit, could soon be released from custody after a district court ruled that his electronic ankle monitor should be removed while he awaits an appeal against his rape convictions.
The decision, handed down by Oslo District Court on Monday, 2 November, came after prosecutors requested that his custody be extended by another four weeks. However, his release is not yet guaranteed, as police have appealed the ruling and asked for it to be suspended pending a higher court's decision.
Høiby, the stepson of King Haakon VIII, was sentenced to four years in prison in June 2026 after being convicted of two counts of rape, domestic violence and several other offences. He has been held under electronic monitoring at the royal estate outside Oslo while challenging his convictions, with his appeal trial scheduled to begin in February 2027.
The latest ruling could significantly change the conditions imposed on him, although he must continue complying with several requirements if it takes effect.
Court Rejects Prosecutors' Bid To Extend Custody
Oslo District Court ruled that Høiby could be released from custody and have his electronic ankle monitor removed while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. Prosecutors had sought an additional four weeks of custody, arguing that he should remain under restrictions, but the court rejected their request. However, the decision must be reviewed by a higher court before it takes effect and could still be overturned.
Police have appealed the ruling and requested suspensive effect, meaning Høiby must remain under electronic monitoring until the matter is resolved. His lawyer, Daniel Storrvik, said his client was relieved by the decision but understood that it was not yet legally binding. 'We are very pleased with the result. Marius is happy and relieved, but takes it calmly because it is not legally binding yet,' he said.
If the ruling stands, Høiby will still face conditions imposed by the court. He must report to police regularly and undergo drug and alcohol testing over the next month. His appeal against the convictions is expected to begin in February 2027, when the court will examine the disputed verdict.
Four-Year Sentence Followed High-Profile Rape Trial
Høiby's conviction followed a high-profile trial in Oslo, where he faced 40 charges and was found guilty of 34. These included two counts of rape, domestic violence and 32 other offences, while he was acquitted of the remaining six charges, including two other rape allegations. He had admitted some lesser offences involving drugs and traffic violations but denied the most serious allegations, including the rape charges.
Prosecutors said the women involved in the rape cases had been asleep or otherwise incapacitated during the alleged assaults. Investigators discovered videos of sexual encounters on Høiby's phone following his arrest, which became important evidence during the proceedings. One of the women was in court when the guilty verdict was delivered and reportedly broke down in tears.
During the trial, Høiby also spoke about the pressure he experienced growing up as the son of Mette-Marit, who was Crown Princess before becoming Queen. Describing his lifestyle and need for approval, he told the court: 'I have an extreme need for affirmation.' He also said: 'A lot of sex, a lot of alcohol. Few can relate to the life I have led.'
Høiby is Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship and became the stepson of King Haakon VIII when his mother married the then Crown Prince in 2001. He does not hold a royal title or carry out official royal duties. Prosecutors have also appealed his four-year sentence, arguing that it was too lenient, while Høiby's separate appeal challenges the convictions that resulted in his prison term.
