The high-profile trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, continues to unfold in Oslo. The court has now ruled that he must remain in custody due to concerns that he could commit additional crimes if released.
The proceedings at the Oslo District Court have now entered their sixth week, making the case one of the longest and most widely watched trials to take place in courtroom 250. Because of Høiby’s connection to Norway’s royal family, the case has also drawn intense public and media attention.
Court cites risk of reoffending
On Wednesday, the court confirmed that Høiby will not be released from prison at this stage of the trial. According to the ruling, judges concluded that extending his detention is justified.
“The court finds that the continued imprisonment is sufficiently justified and does not constitute a disproportionate intervention,” the decision states, citing “the seriousness and scope of the case, as well as the high risk of reoffending.”
The decision was first reported by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, which obtained the court documents.
© LISE ASERUDArrest shortly before the trial began
Høiby was arrested for the fourth time on February 2, just hours before the start of the trial. Authorities accused him of assault, with them claiming Høiby had threatened someone with a knife and had violated a restraining order during the weekend leading up to the hearing.
The arrest led to a pretrial detention order, creating the unusual image of Norway’s crown prince and princess visiting the Oslo Prison.
This was not the first time Høiby had been held in custody. In November 2024, he was detained for a week amid concerns that he could destroy evidence.
© LISE ASERUDA trial tied to a major investigation
The case began after an incident on August 4, 2024, involving a former girlfriend, referred to in court as the “Frogner girl,” a reference to the upscale Frogner neighborhood.
Her call to the police triggered an investigation that resulted in 38 charges, including 10 related to sexual offenses and one involving drug trafficking.
Prosecutors say that much of the evidence comes from material recovered from Høiby’s mobile phone during the investigation, including messages, photos, audio recordings, and videos.
Trial nearing its final stage
© Ian GavanHøiby has pleaded guilty to 24 of the charges, while denying the most serious allegations, including four counts of rape.
The trial is currently scheduled to conclude on March 19, although legal teams have warned that the large volume of evidence, ranging from digital files to witness testimony, could delay the timeline.
As the proceedings enter their final stretch, the case remains one of the most significant legal scandals involving Norway’s modern royal family, with potential consequences that could resonate far beyond the courtroom.
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