Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is transitioning from jail to house arrest. Following a conviction for serious offenses last month, the 29-year-old will be electronically monitored at a residence near the royal Skaugum estate. This arrangement will last four weeks while he appeals his four-year sentence, according to Norwegian daily VG.
While Høiby doesn't hold a royal title, his familial ties to the Norwegian crown have kept his case in the public eye. From July 14, he will reside at this specified location as his legal battle continues, surrounded by the shadow of allegations and family support.
Høiby faced a high-profile trial this year, which ended with a conviction on two counts of rape and other charges related to assaulting an ex-girlfriend. Despite being acquitted on additional counts, the allegations from four women between 2018 and 2024 have cast a long shadow. The court's decision was based on evidence presented through messages and media from Høiby's phone, noted by NPR.
"The Crown Prince and Princess want to help Høiby at this phase of his life," shared Guri Varpe, a royal spokesperson, highlighting the family's public stance during this tumultuous time.
Petar Sekulic, Høiby’s defense lawyer, successfully petitioned for his client's release to house arrest by pointing to Mette-Marit’s recent health challenges. The Crown Princess underwent a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis and was discharged from the hospital on July 14, expected to spend the next year recovering.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stood by me throughout this long journey, my family, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, as well as all those who make an invaluable contribution to the Norwegian health service every day,” Mette-Marit expressed in a heartfelt statement.
The royal family’s involvement reflects their desire to maintain unity and support each other in challenging times. Meanwhile, the Norwegian public and media watch closely as this complex case unfolds.