A Norwegian court ordered the release of 29-year-old Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on June 8 due to the crown princess's serious health struggles [1, 2]. Hoiby faces 40 criminal charges, including the rape of four women and abuse, carrying a maximum sentence of 16 years if convicted [1, 2].
Hoiby has denied the most serious allegations, including rape and domestic violence [1]. He finished a high-profile trial in Norway that ran from February 3 to March 19, 2026 [1, 2]. The verdict is scheduled for June 15, 2026 [1, 2].
The request for release came last week amid a health crisis affecting Mette Marit, who suffers from an incurable lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis and has been placed on a lung transplant waiting list [1, 2]. Police initially declined his release request and deferred the decision to the court [1, 2].
While the court recognized a risk of Hoiby reoffending if freed, it decided that continued detention was disproportionate given his mother’s condition [1]. Hoiby said, “Being locked up when I know mom is so ill is unbearable” [1].
Mette Marit, 52, has dealt with serious health issues since her diagnosis in 2018 that have impacted her royal duties [1]. Her son Hoiby is from a relationship before her 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon [1, 2]. She came into the spotlight recently due to Hoiby's trial and her revealed friendship with Jeffrey Epstein [1].
Prosecutors appealed the court ruling immediately, so Hoiby remains in custody until the appeal is resolved [1, 2]. The verdict in the case remains due on June 15.
