Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, has been denied his request to be transferred from prison to a royal estate while awaiting the verdict in his high-profile rape case. The 29-year-old faces 32 charges, including alleged rape, abuse, violence, making threats, and traffic violations. His seven-week trial concluded in March, and he has been in custody in Oslo awaiting sentencing.

Reports indicate that Høiby, stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, petitioned the court to allow him to serve his remand at the royal residence of Skaugum, where his mother and stepfather reside. He argued that his mother’s health issues made it challenging for her to visit him in prison due to her chronic lung condition. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has pulmonary fibrosis and has been seen using a nasal cannula for oxygen support.

Høiby expressed difficulties with the solitary confinement conditions, citing minimal human contact, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and physical tremors. Despite his concerns, Judge Førde denied his request, stating concerns about the risk of re-offending if released.

Prosecutors highlighted Høiby’s history of disregarding restraining orders and the potential for further violations, emphasizing that some of the alleged crimes occurred in the very residence he sought to return to. The prosecution is seeking a seven-year sentence for Høiby, who will remain in custody until the verdict, expected in early June.

The Norwegian royal family did not attend Høiby’s trial earlier this year, releasing a statement before the proceedings commenced expressing their thoughts for all involved parties. The statement emphasized their trust in the legal process and the importance of a fair trial.

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