Norwegian Court Orders Release of Marius Borg Høiby Pending Appeal

An Oslo district court ruled on Monday that Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old eldest son of Norway's Queen Mette-Marit, should be released from custody and allowed to drop his electronic ankle monitor. Borg Høiby has spent months under strict house arrest at the royal Skaugum estate following his conviction earlier this year on multiple charges, including two counts of rape.

Borg Høiby's legal team pushed for his release during a Monday morning hearing, arguing that the conditions of his confinement had become an overwhelming burden. His defense attorneys, Daniel Storrvik and Alexander Greaker, maintained that the legal grounds for keeping him restricted no longer existed. "The burden is much greater than has come to light," Greaker told reporters, adding that his client welcomed the ruling as an important breakthrough.

During the proceedings, prosecutors argued against his release, citing a continued risk of reoffending and potential substance abuse. Police prosecutor Oda Karterud noted that a previous drug test taken during his time at Skaugum showed traces of alcohol, which authorities viewed as a violation of the strict sobriety terms of his electronic monitoring arrangement. Although the correctional service did not formally report a rule breach, prosecutors requested a four-week extension of his custody.

The district court ultimately determined that Borg Høiby could be released under specific conditions, which include mandatory check-ins with law enforcement, regular drug and alcohol testing, and ongoing treatment. The court noted that, aside from the alcohol incident, there were no other signs of rule violations or attempts to contact victims during his 16 weeks under home confinement.

Despite the favorable ruling for the defense, Borg Høiby will not walk free immediately. Prosecutors swiftly appealed the district court's decision and requested suspensive effect, meaning he will remain in custody until the appellate court reviews the case. "We have reviewed the district court's ruling and will maintain an appeal so that the court of appeal can assess the matter," Karterud stated.

Borg Høiby was initially arrested in August 2024 and has spent approximately nine months in total custody, including continuous detention since his trial began in February. In June, the Oslo District Court found him guilty of 34 offenses, sentencing him to four years in prison. His defense team appealed the verdict, and the Borgarting Court of Appeal is scheduled to begin the appeal proceedings on February 9.