The Norwegian royal family is facing its most difficult chapter. As Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health deteriorates and her son Marius Borg Høiby awaits his trial verdict, the Oslo District Court has decided to grant him a release from pretrial detention so he can support his mother. The prosecutor's office, however, has immediately appealed the decision, meaning that Borg will remain in custody until a higher court rules on the matter.
© HAKON MOSVOLD LARSENA court order blocked by prosecutors
The Oslo District Court approved Borg's emergency motion for release, citing his mother's critical condition as a factor in assessing his reduced risk of reoffending.
In its ruling, the court noted that Borg had abstained from substance use during his incarceration and concluded there was now a "somewhat reduced risk of reoffending." But prosecutors disagreed, maintaining that the risk persisted, and their appeal to the Court of Appeal ensures Borg remains in custody until further review.
© Nigel WaldronBorg is navigating a moment of profound uncertainty, with family visits likely overshadowed by updates on his mother's worsening condition. His verdict is expected on June 15th and marks the conclusion of a legal case that began in 2024, with the trial itself starting in February 2026.
Forty charges and a family in crisis
Borg faces 40 counts, including four rape charges. His criminal trial has kick-started one of the biggest scandals the Norwegian family has ever faced, even if he's not a direct member of the royal household. Borg has remained in pretrial detention for the majority of proceedings after violating a restraining order involving a former girlfriend shortly before the trial began.
Throughout this period, the royal house has been managing multiple crises: Borg's trial, Mette-Marit's deteriorating health, Queen Sonja's recurring cardiac issues, and waning support from the Norwegian public. Polls show that support for the royal house has reached public lows.
© Getty ImagesAs Mette-Marit's condition worsens, the palace confirmed she has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant to treat her pulmonary fibrosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018.
The announcement prompted an immediate reshuffling of the family's schedules and priorities. Crown Prince Haakon cut short an important state visit to Japan while Princess Ingrid Alexandra returned to Norway from Australia, where she had been studying at the University of Sydney. She will spend the 2026 fall semester as an exchange student at the University of Oslo to remain close to her family. Prince Sverre Magnus plans to begin his own university studies in Europe, returning to Norway whenever circumstances require.
© Corbis via Getty Images
