In brief
Oslo District Court found 29‑year‑old Marius Borg Høiby guilty on two counts of rape, imposing a four‑year prison term despite prosecutors seeking a longer sentence. The judges cleared him of two other rape charges but upheld convictions for several related offences. Høiby was present via video link during the verdict. The case has drawn attention due to Høiby’s status as the son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, who is battling pulmonary fibrosis and awaiting a lung transplant. His lawyers have sought an early release so he can support his ailing mother.
Oslo District Court in courtroom 250 held a verdict in the case of 29‑year‑old Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit. The three judges found him guilty on two counts of rape and gave a four‑year prison sentence.
Høiby was not present for the sentencing, but joined the session via video link. The court cleared him of two other rape allegations while upholding convictions for several other offences he faced.
Prosecutors had sought a seven‑year, seven‑month term, but the defense counsel requested a shorter 18‑month penalty and announced the possibility of an appeal. Høiby's lawyers argue that the nine‑year average sentence for rape in Norway warrants a more moderate penalty.
The case has attracted international attention, partly because Høby is the son of Norway’s Crown Princess. Although he grew up in the royal household, he is not a royal family member.
Mette‑Marit has been battling a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis and is on a lung transplant waiting list. Her legal team has repeatedly requested Høiby’s release for the time he could spend with his mother during her deteriorating health.
