Marius Borg Høiby granted leave from house arrest for King Harald V funeral

Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit, has been granted special permission to leave his house arrest to participate in the funeral proceedings for his grandfather, King Harald V. Høiby, who is currently serving a sentence under electronic monitoring at the Skaugum royal residence, was seen participating in the procession to move the late monarch’s coffin to the Royal Palace chapel.

His presence has sparked significant public controversy in Norway. Critics and advocacy groups have expressed outrage, noting that Høiby was recently convicted of multiple offenses, including two counts of rape, and that such exceptions may feel unjust to ordinary citizens who are denied similar liberties during family bereavements.

To avoid further media scrutiny during the mourning period, Høiby’s defense attorney, Petar Sekulic, stated that the 29-year-old has consented to an extension of his detention. While Høiby continues to contest his convictions on appeal, he will remain under electronic monitoring through the funeral scheduled for September 9.