The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit will face an appeal hearing before seven judges, with the possibility of a partial acquittal or a longer prison sentence.
The legal future of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is once again attracting international attention. After being sentenced last June to four years in prison for several offences, including two counts of rape, he is now preparing for a new legal proceeding that could significantly change his circumstances.
Marius Borg Høiby’s appeal trial is scheduled for February 2027 and will take place at the Borgarting Court of Appeal in Norway. Unlike the original proceedings, the new hearing will allow evidence to be reconsidered, witnesses to be heard and arguments from both sides to be examined again.
The uncertainty surrounding the case is particularly significant because both the defence and the prosecution have appealed the verdict, although they are pursuing entirely different outcomes.
Marius Borg Høiby’s lawyers will seek to overturn the convictions relating to the rape offences and the assault against his former girlfriend, Nora Haukland. According to published reports, their strategy includes presenting evidence and witness testimony that they believe is relevant to a fresh assessment of the case.
Meanwhile, Norwegian prosecutors consider the four-year sentence too lenient and intend to seek a harsher punishment. This creates a situation in which the outcome of the appeal could prove even less favourable for Høiby.
One of the most significant aspects of the proceedings will be the composition of the court. While the original trial involved one professional judge and two lay judges, the appeal will be heard by a panel of seven, comprising two professional judges and five lay judges.
According to reports about the proceedings, a guilty verdict will require the support of at least five members of the panel, including at least one professional judge.
This change introduces a different dynamic to the assessment of the evidence and makes the forthcoming trial a decisive stage in determining the full extent of Høiby’s criminal liability.
However, a potential acquittal on the appealed charges would not necessarily mean his release from prison. He was also convicted of other offences that are not included in his appeal, involving threats, breaches of restraining orders, traffic offences and assaults.
According to available reports, his defence team has acknowledged that these unchallenged convictions could result in approximately 18 months in prison.
The case began in August 2024, following police involvement in Oslo, and has since attracted intense media scrutiny of the Norwegian royal family.
Although Marius Borg Høiby holds no royal title and carries out no official duties, his family connection to the heir to the Norwegian throne has placed the proceedings under extraordinary public scrutiny.
According to published reports, he is currently under house arrest at Skaugum, the residence associated with Crown Prince Haakon’s family.
