Marius Borg Høiby is awaiting the verdict on his trial. The eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit was charged with 39 counts, including four of rape, in one of the most widely discussed trials in the modern era of royals. He recently made the request to complete his remand from home with the support of his family, including his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, who has offered a royal home for Borg to stay in.
© LISE ASERUD"It made sense for him to live there"
The Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen reports that, if the tribunal were to approve, Borg could leave the prison in Oslo and move to a private residence under strict rules of control, supervision, and limited mobility until a sentence is handed out. According to the outlet, Borg would move to Skaugum, the estate and royal residence where Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit are based.
René Ibsen, one of the three lawyers representing Borg, confirmed that Skaugum is a viable home for Borg. "He no longer has his home in Frogner, so we have to find another solution for his future home. The home he had in Skaugum was empty, so it made sense for him to live there," said the lawyer, as reported by our sister website HOLA! Spain.
© POOL/NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesThe decision now lies with Oslo's District Court. "There will probably be a judicial hearing next week," the lawyer continued. Borg had already requested his release in March, but the courts denied it after finding him at a high risk of reoffending.
More details about one of the most documented trials in royal history
Marius Borg's complex and high-profile trial concluded on March 19th. It was one of the most closely followed cases in Norway's history, and the first to so directly impact the dynasty that has ruled the country since 1905.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesFollowing over six weeks of proceedings, where Borg's texts and correspondence were analyzed, and one of his exes took the stand, the case is now in the hands of the judges, who are expected to decide in June. If found guilty on all counts, Borg faces a potential sentence of seven years and seven months, with the four rape charges forming the most serious part of the indictment.
Borg pleaded not guilty to the rape charges, though he admitted to lesser offences, including aggravated assault and drug-related charges.
© LISE ASERUD
