Judge denies son of Norway’s crown princess a release to a rented home on royal estate
Thursday, 7 May 2026
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, has been denied a release from police custody, despite detailing a “hard life” in solitary confinement.
Norwegian media reported that during a court appearance in Oslo on Wednesday, the 29-year-old argued his mother’s chronic lung condition made visiting him in prison difficult.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit is battling pulmonary fibrosis and was recently seen using a nasal cannula device to assist with oxygen flow, according to local media.
Høiby, who is awaiting a ruling on charges of rape, assault, and other offences, told Judge Hans Nikolai Førde on Wednesday that isolation was harming him.
According to Norwegian media, he described experiencing problems with sleep and appetite, and said he struggled with his memory during the day.
'I have extremely little human contact, only two or three visits a week. It's quite difficult not having social contact for so long,' Høiby said, in quotes reported by local media.
Norwegian media reported he requested a provisional release to a rented home on the royal estate at Skaugum, west of Oslo, where his mother and stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, live.
Høiby argued the air quality in the old prison building, which he claimed contained 'a lot of mould', was a barrier to his family visiting.
Judge Førde denied the request, citing a 'considerable' risk that Høiby would re-offend if released, local media reported. Prosecutors argued that Høiby had previously ignored restraining orders and remained a high risk for further violations.
Høiby is not a member of the Royal House, but grew up within the family after Mette-Marit married the future king in 2001, Norwegian media reported.
The Crown Princess has been largely absent from public duties this year. Late last year, her medical team began assessments for a possible lung transplant.
Høiby’s criminal trial concluded with prosecutors seeking a seven-year sentence. He will remain in custody until the ruling is delivered, which is expected in early June.