Norwegian Court Rules Marius Borg Høiby Must Remain in Custody

Marius Borg Høiby, the oldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will remain in custody after an appellate court overturned a previous ruling that ordered his release. The Borgarting Court of Appeal made the decision following an appeal filed by the prosecution against a Monday ruling from the Oslo District Court.

Borg Høiby, 29, has been serving his custody period under electronic surveillance at Skaugum, an estate belonging to the royal family, since July 2026. During a custody hearing on November 2, his defense attorneys, Daniel Storrvik and Alexander Greaker, requested his release, arguing that the conditions under the electronic monitoring arrangement had become extremely difficult and unbearable for their client.

While the Oslo District Court initially ordered his release on Monday afternoon, prosecutors immediately challenged the decision and requested a four-week extension of his detention. The Borgarting Court of Appeal subsequently reviewed the case on Wednesday and revoked the release order, keeping the 29-year-old under house arrest conditions.

The appellate court based its decision primarily on the risk that Borg Høiby might consume alcohol and drugs, which the court identified as a high risk for further criminal behavior. According to reports, recent alcohol tests administered during his custody came back positive. While Borg Høiby reportedly claimed the positive results were due to mouthwash and fermented apple juice, the court dismissed the explanation as not credible.

Police prosecutor Oda Karterud noted that prosecutors closely highlighted the alleged violation of the substance prohibition terms. Defense attorney Storrvik questioned the accuracy and circumstances surrounding the tests, maintaining that his client denied consuming alcohol voluntarily. Following the decision, Borg Høiby's legal team issued a statement saying they would thoroughly review the court's reasoning and discuss the next steps with their client.

An appeal trial in the case is scheduled to begin next February. In June, Borg Høiby was sentenced to four years in prison for several offenses, including domestic violence and two counts of rape under Norwegian law. He has appealed that conviction, and the charges will be re-examined during the upcoming proceedings.