Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Son Faces Prosecutor Appeal for Longer Prison Term

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit of Norway, was sentenced on 15 June to four years in prison for 34 offences, including two convictions for sleeping‑rape and a conviction for domestic abuse. He was acquitted on two other rape counts. Høiby has lodged an appeal against the verdict.

The Oslo public prosecutor, led by Sturla Henriksbø, has filed a counter‑appeal seeking a longer sentence, maintaining the original request of seven years and seven months for the convictions it still supports. The prosecutor will not challenge the acquittals on the two rape counts, a decision made in coordination with the victims’ legal representatives. The appeal is expected to be heard next year.

Høiby has been in pre‑trial detention since February, with several requests for release denied, including a recent plea citing his mother’s recent lung transplant. He remains in custody at least until mid‑July pending the outcome of the appellate process.