Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, remains in custody after a court denied his latest request for release. The ruling follows allegations from the “Frogner-kvinnen”—a former girlfriend and one of the individuals named in the 40-count indictment against him—that she has been pressured by associates of Høiby to drop a standing restraining order. While Høiby sought release to be with his mother, who is currently on a transplant list for new lungs, the court cited a continued risk of further offenses as the primary reason for keeping him detained.
Allegations of Pressure and Legal Status
According to her lawyer, Mette Yvonne Larsen, the Frogner-kvinnen has been contacted repeatedly by people in the circle surrounding Høiby. These individuals have allegedly attempted to pressure her into securing the removal of the restraining order currently in place. Larsen noted that while her client does not wish to prevent Høiby from seeing his mother during a difficult health crisis, she remains firm that the restraining order must be maintained. The Frogner-kvinnen reported these experiences to the police prior to the most recent detention hearing.
Court Ruling on Custody
Judge Hans Nikolai Førde rejected the request for release shortly after the hearing concluded, expressing concern that the risk of recidivism has not diminished. The court specifically addressed Høiby’s previous proposal to reside at Skaugum, the Crown Prince’s estate in Asker, under electronic monitoring. Judge Førde concluded that Skaugum lacks the necessary oversight to prevent contact with the victim, particularly since Høiby is accused of committing offenses at that location. The court further noted that providing him with a phone and computer would leave him with unrestricted access to communicate with the outside world.
Did You Know? Marius Borg Høiby is facing an indictment for 40 offenses, including allegations of “sovevoldtekt” (rape while the victim was asleep) involving four women and charges of domestic abuse. The final judgment in his case is scheduled for June 15, 2026.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The court’s decision underscores the weight placed on protecting victims of domestic abuse over the personal circumstances of the defendant. By focusing on the practical inability to restrict communication at a private residence like Skaugum, the judiciary is signaling that the nature of the alleged offenses—specifically domestic violence and repeated breaches of restraining orders—creates a situation where standard monitoring is deemed insufficient to ensure public safety or victim protection.
What Happens Next
With the court denying his release, Marius Borg Høiby will remain in custody through the conclusion of his trial. The legal proceedings are set to culminate on June 15, 2026, when the final verdict is expected. While his defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has indicated a desire for police to interview the Frogner-kvinnen regarding the alleged pressure, it remains to be seen if such testimony will impact the final sentencing or the court’s assessment of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Marius Borg Høiby currently in custody?
He has been in custody since February 2026 because the court identified a risk that he would contact the Frogner-kvinnen, who is one of the victims in the case against him.
What is the status of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health?
The Crown Princess suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and was placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant in May 2026.
Has Høiby admitted to the charges?
According to reports from March 2026, Høiby has acknowledged guilt regarding charges of reckless behavior and the breach of a restraining order against the Frogner-kvinnen.
How might the upcoming verdict on June 15 influence the ongoing discussions regarding victim protection in this case?
