An Oslo court has denied the release of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is currently on trial facing 38 criminal offenses. The judge's decision keeps him in custody, citing a substantial risk that he would commit new crimes punishable by more than six months' imprisonment.

Børn Høiby's case has become one of Norway's most prominent legal proceedings in recent years. He has pleaded not guilty to four rape charges brought against different women, though he has admitted guilt to other counts including violence, sexual violation, vandalism, drug crimes, and traffic violations.

The trial commenced following a violent incident at a woman's apartment in Oslo and has generated considerable international attention. Prosecutors have detailed charges that emerged approximately a year and a half after his initial arrest, with the full scope of allegations extending across multiple categories of criminal conduct.

While Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, he is not a member of the Norwegian Royal House. Crown Prince Haakon has maintained distance from the legal proceedings, stating he will neither attend the trial nor comment publicly on the case. In a statement made on January 29, 2026, Haakon said: "Marius Borg Høiby is not part of the Royal House... but we like him of course."

The court's decision to keep Høiby in custody reflects judicial assessment of the severity of his alleged conduct and the perceived danger to public safety. The judge determined that the risk of further criminal activity—particularly offenses carrying substantial prison sentences—was too significant to allow his release pending trial conclusion.

Prior to this detention decision, Høiby had been released on earlier occasions, during which time he reportedly entered rehabilitation treatment for alcohol and cocaine abuse. His legal team has confirmed his continued participation in substance abuse treatment programs.

The case encompasses charges far broader than the rape allegations, including threats, gross violence, abuse in close relationships, and additional sexual violations. While Høiby has contested the sexual assault allegations, his admission of guilt on other counts establishes a pattern of admitted serious misconduct.

The Norwegian justice system's handling of this case, involving a high-profile defendant connected to the royal family, has underscored the principle that such connections do not exempt individuals from ordinary legal scrutiny or detention decisions. The court's focus remains strictly on the evidence and risk factors relevant to public safety and the likelihood of reoffending.

As the trial continues, Høiby remains remanded in custody. No verdict date has been publicly confirmed, and the proceedings are expected to extend over a substantial period given the complexity and number of charges involved.

**Sources** - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOBVy8DOCY0 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmRfdhPrRl0