Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to remain in prison following a decisive ruling by the Borgarting Court of Appeal, despite his mother’s declining health.
The 29-year-old is currently in custody, where he awaits a verdict and sentencing on 40 charges, including rape and abuse. The Oslo District Court initially ruled earlier this week that Hoiby could be released on compassionate grounds, but prosecutors appealed the release order.
On Wednesday, the higher Court of Appeal concluded that Hoiby must remain in prison due to a strong probability that he would commit new criminal offenses if set free, according to Norwegian outlet NRK.
The reversal was met with frustration from Hoiby’s legal team. “We are very, very disappointed and find the decision almost incomprehensible,” defense attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs told NRK.
© Getty ImagesShe added that they have nevertheless decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Last week, Marius told Oslo district court: “Being locked up when I know mom is so ill is unbearable,” according to broadcaster NRK.
Mette-Marit – who welcomed Marius before meeting her royal husband Prince Haakon – was diagnosed in 2018 with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis that causes breathing difficulties, which has repeatedly forced her to take sick leave or scale back her official duties.
In addition to the royal’s health problems and her son’s trial, documents were released in January revealing her friendship and frequent contact with convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014.
The Palace statement
Earlier this month, the Norwegian Palace shared an official update on the royal’s condition.
It read: “The Crown Princess is on the lung transplant waiting list.
© Getty Images“As a result of her life-threatening chronic lung disease and following exhaustive health examinations, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.
“The Crown Princess’s lung condition is serious. Following a joint medical evaluation, she has now been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant as soon as possible, says lung specialist Dr. Are Holm of Rikshospitalet.
“While awaiting surgery, the Crown Princess will be unable to work or carry out her official duties as normal. Her health condition also has implications for the schedule and activities of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess’s family.
© Alamy“The Crown Prince and Princess have postponed their silver wedding anniversary celebrations, which were planned for August 2026, and the Crown Princess will not participate in the planned provincial tour in September. The Crown Prince will adjust his schedule going forward to allow him more time to spend with the Crown Princess during this period.
“Among other things, he will limit long-distance travel both within Norway and abroad in the period before and after the operation. Therefore, the Crown Prince will not participate in the Swedish royal couple’s golden wedding anniversary celebrations in Stockholm on June 13 as planned.
“To be closer to her family, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra has returned to Norway and will be an exchange student at the University of Sydney and the University of Oslo during the fall semester of 2026. Prince Sverre Magnus will study in Europe as planned from the fall onwards and will return home to Norway when the situation requires.”
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