A Norwegian court has ordered Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, to remain in pre-trial detention pending a verdict on charges of rape. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, underscores the gravity of the allegations against the 27-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty.
Høiby was arrested in August 2024 following accusations by a woman in her 20s, who claimed that he sexually assaulted her at a private residence. The prosecution argued that there was a risk of evidence tampering or flight, given Høiby's international connections and the serious nature of the charges. The defence countered that Høiby would comply with legal proceedings and that detention was unnecessary.
The court, however, sided with the prosecution, stating that the circumstances warranted continued custody. This is not the first time Høiby has faced legal trouble; he has a prior conviction for assaulting a former partner in 2023, for which he received a suspended sentence. That incident, involving a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend, led to a period of public scrutiny and reflection for the royal family.
Høiby's status as a stepson of Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and a son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has placed the case under intense media attention. The royal family has publicly acknowledged the situation, expressing support for the legal process and calling for respect for the privacy of those involved. Queen Sonja and King Harald V have remained notably silent, leaving the immediate family to address the matter.
The trial is expected to commence in early 2025, with the victim's testimony and forensic evidence likely to form the centrepiece of the prosecution's case. The court has imposed strict media restrictions to prevent prejudicial reporting. Meanwhile, Høiby remains in custody, a decision that the defence's appeal is expected to contest.
This case adds to a series of legal challenges for European royal families, but it is particularly sensitive for Norway, where the monarchy enjoys high public trust. The outcome could affect perceptions of the royal household's integrity and its handling of personal conduct matters.
As the legal process unfolds, the court's focus remains on ensuring a fair trial. For now, Høiby will await the verdict from behind bars.
