Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit of Norway, appeared in Oslo District Court on Monday seeking release from house arrest. The lower court agreed he could be freed, but the prosecution immediately challenged that outcome. The appeals court then ruled that he must remain in detention, extending a legal fight that has drawn fresh attention in Norway’s royal circle. Høiby has been under house arrest since July, after an earlier period of pre-trial detention tied to a case involving multiple criminal allegations ahead of trial.
Oda Karterud Cites Alleged Breach of Conditions
According to Town & Country, police lawyer Oda Karterud argued that Høiby broke the terms of his electronic monitoring. A breathalyzer test, prosecutors say, showed alcohol in his system. “In the view of the prosecution, the accused has violated the conditions of detention with electronic monitoring by consuming intoxicants,” Karterud said according to Town & Country. Prosecutors also argued that releasing him now would carry a high risk of relapse into substance abuse and a strong risk of repeated offenses, making continued detention necessary in their view.
Appeals Court Backs Prosecution Position
After the appeal succeeded, Karterud said the ruling reflected the gravity of the case and the need to stop further serious violations of personal integrity. She also stressed that public protection had to carry the greatest weight. The decision reversed the district court’s earlier position within hours, leaving Høiby in custody rather than allowing him to leave house arrest. The legal back-and-forth marked another difficult chapter in a case that has been closely followed because of Høiby’s place within Norway’s royal family through his mother.
Daniel Storrvik Says Current Situation Is Unbearable
Defense attorney Daniel Storrvik pushed back strongly in court and outside it. He said Høiby denies consuming alcohol and argued there is no longer any real risk of repeated behavior. “He has had a tough time with the situation he is in now,” Daniel Storrvik told the press, as reported by townandcountrymag.com. Storrvik also said the arrangement at Skaugum had worked for a long period but that circumstances had changed. He described Høiby’s current conditions as unbearable and said house arrest was no longer functioning for him.
Charges Date Back to February 2026 Arrest
The case traces back to Høiby’s arrest in February 2026, on the eve of his trial. He faces charges alleging assault, threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order. His house arrest at Skaugum, the royal residence where Queen Mette-Marit is recovering from a lung transplant, had served as an extension of pre-trial detention. Storrvik argued that Høiby had made major progress during the past 16 weeks under electronic monitoring. Even so, the appeals court’s decision means he will stay detained as the broader criminal case continues.
