Marius Borg Høiby News & Current Events Part 2: February 2026 -

[hereditarytitles]

Almost all papers here, even those that normally do not report about royals or celebrities, are reporting about the trial.

They write that a serious medical incident occurred: Marius Borg Høiby collapsed in court. His lawyer confirmed the incident to the Norwegian magazine "Se Og Hør." It took some time for the 29-year-old to recover.
"As everyone in the courtroom saw, he had a very stressful week. In his initial testimony, he himself indicated that he was receiving heavy medication," the lawyer continued.

Even before and during the trial, Marius Borg Høiby's lawyers emphasized that their client was in poor health. Following a fourth arrest shortly before the trial began, on charges including alleged assault, threatening someone with a knife, and violating a restraining order, Marius even spent two nights in the hospital.

What I think is: There might be various reasons for him being in poor health.
Withdrawal of drugs, finally facing the consequences of his crimes, no drugs, no partying, no friends around, but instead a room in prison where he himself said that he is sitting there all the time and "thinking, thinking".

https://www.focus.de/kultur/royals/verteidiger-bestaetigt-marius-borg-hoiby-ist-vor-gericht-zusammengebrochen_28cebc7b-7ea4-4478-b16a-500be47020eb.html

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Seems like his mental health is falling apart as soon as the drugs, alcohol, the jet-set girls, and his criminal male-friends became unavailable.

In one way i feel sad for him. Sad for what his life that had so much potential has become. Even if he has only himself to blame for his abuse problems. I’m sure his life has not always been a dance on a bed of roses. I don’t question that. Still noone forces you to threat and hit other people. And noone forces you to take drugs. That’s entirely your own choice.

 

[Lord-of-the-Manor]

What's the feeling with the Norwegian press and members on this forum. Will Marius get a good trial or are there concerns the establishment will give him a lenient sentence and basically absolve him because of who his mother is.

 

[TRL]

What's the feeling with the Norwegian press and members on this forum. Will Marius get a good trial or are there concerns the establishment will give him a lenient sentence and basically absolve him because of who his mother is.

Note that Norway's criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation as opposed to retribution. Sentences are also limited compared to those for similar crimes in other countries. The BBC has a great article here: How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours

 

[hereditarytitles]

I sincerely hope, for his victims, his family and for himself, that he finally reaches the point where he himself realizes that he must change his life and his attitude toward his fellow human beings, especially women. This means accepting that he will suffer, break down, experience withdrawal symptoms, go through hell ,but that is his only chance. And once he is free of drugs and out of prison, figure out some kind of profession to earn his own money, without his parents still paying for his unhealthy lifestyle and protecting him.
The worst thing for everyone involved would be if his defense attorneys played the sympathy and understanding card and he'll get away again with some ridiculous excuses. They will probably try to do so, but hopefully they will not succeed.
He needs to spend a long time in prison, and we know that Norwegian prisons are very humane. If he wants to finally lead a decent, satisfying life, and his parents should know this too, then now is the time.
If not, as sad as it is, I see a very bleak future for him.

 

[tommy100]

I have to say I hope the trial is not affected in anyway because of Marius' mental health. Yes he needs support but this IMO can't mean people go easy on him.

 

[Lori138]

Note that Norway's criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation as opposed to retribution. Sentences are also limited compared to those for similar crimes in other countries. The BBC has a great article here: How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours

What a great article and if it works, I honestly hope that he gets incarcerated and can learn a trade there.

 

[Rosewood]

If not, as sad as it is, I see a very bleak future for him.

And the women who associate with him. If he has, in fact, attempted to strangle women, sooner or later he will succeed. The human neck is very fragile to certain types of pressure.

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

Note that Norway's criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation as opposed to retribution. Sentences are also limited compared to those for similar crimes in other countries. The BBC has a great article here: How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours

Thank you for this amazing article! It sounds to me like the criminal justice system is the only thing that could save Marius. Norway’s system is far superior to our “revenge” system in the US. It takes a lot of money but recidivism at only 20%??? Wow!!!

 

[Muhler]

Thank you for this amazing article! It sounds to me like the criminal justice system is the only thing that could save Marius. Norway’s system is far superior to our “revenge” system in the US. It takes a lot of money but recidivism at only 20%??? Wow!!!

Indeed. It is impressive. There are however some people who should be locked up forever, like Breivik.

There may still be hope for straitening Marius out though. It wont be easy! And he does not need pity from his family, nor be told that it is someone else's fault.
His fainting and trembling could be good signs. We may hope.

Having said that, if he doesn't grow up while in prison and embrace a rehabilitation program and start acting up again when he comes out, then I say: Throw away the key. Because that means his wring is faulty and then it's about protecting the society from him.

 

[maria-olivia]

Will he last 7 weeks?

 

[HenRach Dominion]

I applaud Norway for actually focusing on rehabilitation, especially since I have many critiques about the U.S. penitentiary system, especially how punitive it is.

In Marius's case, however, I think the real problem is that, even if he is successfully rehabilitated when he no longer has access to his wealth, drugs, victims, and enablers, it is reasonable to expect that he will regain all of those as soon as he walks out. His family has shown that they are willing to defend him, cover for him, and fund his lifestyle in spite of everything. Drugs and enablers will come soon after, and unfortunately more than likely more victims.

Rehabilitation only works if everyone is on the same page. If his family continues to put their heads in the sand, equivocates on his actions, and finances him regardless of whether or not he's made any effort to change, then there's no incentive to do so.

 

[TRL]

Indeed. It is impressive. There are however some people who should be locked up forever, like Breivik.

Apparently there is something called "preventative detention," which includes an initial 21-year sentence with parole eligibility after 10 years served) and then the court can continually re-evaluate every 5 years whether the person is still a danger to society. I remember this being mentioned about Breivik: that he's likely never coming out of prison due to this sentence: Anders Behring Breivik - Wikipedia

Wikipedia has a page on those who have been sentenced to "preventative detention": Life imprisonment in Norway - Wikipedia There are some notes indicating that at least some sentenced to "preventative detention" have been released.

Relating back to Marius, some of the convictions on the list are rape-related, so perhaps there is the possibility that he's potentially facing more than 10 years in prison?

I applaud Norway for actually focusing on rehabilitation, especially since I have many critiques about the U.S. penitentiary system, especially how punitive it is.

In Marius's case, however, I think the real problem is that, even if he is successfully rehabilitated when he no longer has access to his wealth, drugs, victims, and enablers, it is reasonable to expect that he will regain all of those as soon as he walks out. His family has shown that they are willing to defend him, cover for him, and fund his lifestyle in spite of everything. Drugs and enablers will come soon after, and unfortunately more than likely more victims.

Rehabilitation only works if everyone is on the same page. If his family continues to put their heads in the sand, equivocates on his actions, and finances him regardless of whether or not he's made any effort to change, then there's no incentive to do so.

I disagree that Marius' family has put their heads in the sand. For one, most of the alleged rapes and the illegal filming of women only came to light after the police searched his phone. There is no way that his family could have known about these serious crimes.

And it's entirely possible that they felt keeping him living at home and providing him with a relatively modest allowance (200,000 NOK = $2,000) was better than him out in the world without any tethers. There is only so much parents can do to guide adult children that are having issues and are in denial of said issues.

I kinda think jail might be the saving grace for Marius if the rehabilitation is 90% as good as the BBC article explains. But it would take a number of years, which I assume is what's coming after the trial concludes.

 

[Czenzi]

I just want to thank everyone who has spent time following the trial and translating the testimony, as well as everyone sourcing and sometimes translating relevant articles. American news covered the trial and what was happening with MM for about one day, but there's really no coverage here. You all have done amazing work finding sources.

As for Marius, I am sure he has faced many pressures in his life, I can even believe he may have a chemical imbalance issue, and I do hope that he gets healthier than he is now, but I'm not sure that is working (for me) as a trial strategy to gain sympathy in this case. Many people face many hardships. It is up to them to choose how they react to the problems that they face. I'm actually apt to agree that a rehabilitation program in prison may be the best place for him to get his health back and to learn some skills, though I'm not overly hopeful even still. As importantly, I also think it will go a long way in healing and validating each of the women he (allegedly as the trial is still in process) hurt.

 

[LadyFinn]

Haakon visited Marius in prison on Saturday, he arrived at 15.30 and stayed an hour. VG has photos.
– I have a statutory duty of confidentiality, but I choose to say that here the relatives have been crystal clear that they do not want special treatment, and they have not received it, prison warden Nils Leyell Finstad tells VG.
VG has asked the Royal Court about the prison visits, and whether it is true that the Crown Prince and Princess have not requested any special treatment.
– Regarding access to Oslo Prison, we refer to the management of the prison, writes communications manager Guri Varpe.

Fengselssjef om kronprinsparet: - Krystallklare på at de ikke ønsker særbehandling

Her er kronprins Haakon (52) på besøk i Oslo fengsel lørdag ettermiddag.

www.vg.no

 

[An Ard Ri]

Haakon visited Marius in prison on Saturday, he arrived at 15.30 and stayed an hour. VG has photos.
– I have a statutory duty of confidentiality, but I choose to say that here the relatives have been crystal clear that they do not want special treatment, and they have not received it, prison warden Nils Leyell Finstad tells VG.
VG has asked the Royal Court about the prison visits, and whether it is true that the Crown Prince and Princess have not requested any special treatment.
– Regarding access to Oslo Prison, we refer to the management of the prison, writes communications manager Guri Varpe.

Fengselssjef om kronprinsparet: - Krystallklare på at de ikke ønsker særbehandling

Her er kronprins Haakon (52) på besøk i Oslo fengsel lørdag ettermiddag.

www.vg.no

I'm beginning to think that Haakon is a lost cause with his continuous visits to Marius in prison.
Had his stepson been arrested for less serious crimes I'd have no issue but given the heinous nature of his crimes I would be distancing myself 100%.

 

[Moran]

OK, is a visit every two days normal for prisons in Norway? No special treatment, after all.

 

[Somebody]

Each prison sets their own limits - and I would expect there to be differences between those held in custody before/during trial versus those who are serving a sentence. Apparently, once a week for an hour is considered the minimum (and in addition, they get a set number of minutes for phone calls) - but more two visits a week is not out of the ordinary either.

See here for some background information: https://www.sivilombudet.no/wp-cont...t-family-and-friends-in-Norwegian-prisons.pdf

 

[Moran]

Thank you! So the whole no special treatment is a good PR and nothing more. Since Norwegian prisons aren't medieval dungeons anyway, he would have had a good treatment anyway.

 

[maria-olivia]

He has to go because MM cannot !

 

[hereditarytitles]

He has to go because MM cannot !

But it was reported that MM also visited him in prison on Thursday night.

 

[Somebody]

Thank you! So the whole no special treatment is a good PR and nothing more. Since Norwegian prisons aren't medieval dungeons anyway, he would have had a good treatment anyway.

That would not be my conclusion. Marius has been visited twice within one week for an hour or less; which is within the realm of possibilities for a Norwegian prison - which all set their own regulations. At least one Norwegian prison allows for two visits a week of up to two hours each (see this article for more information about family visits in the Norwegian prison system).

Edit: I've now looked into the specific details for the Oslo Prison. According to their FAQ, they allow 1 visit per week - unless the inmate has children, in that case an extra weekly visit can be made with the children present.

Mette-Marit and Haakon visited outside of regular visiting hours.

I also found the application that each visitor needs to fill out prior to visiting.

 

[hereditarytitles]

I was wondering why there were no new trial reports, but I just read that the trial will continue tomorrow, February 10.

 

[yukari]

I'm beginning to think that Haakon is a lost cause with his continuous visits to Marius in prison.
Had his stepson been arrested for less serious crimes I'd have no issue but given the heinous nature of his crimes I would be distancing myself 100%.

The thing is, he's the future king just by being Harald's son. Not "the future king if he behaves like one to be considered worthy of becoming one". Just like MM is the future queen just by being Haakon's wife, not because she's worthy of becoming one or because she mends her way. So there's no insentif on why he should behave differently.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Then the future king must not drag the monarchy into further disrepute as his wife has done.
Personally I feel that Haakon is skating on thin ice with his wife and stepson.

The monarchy is safe under the present king but that doesn't mean Haakon will enjoy the same deference.
No one can predict what will happen in the next reign..

 

[Moran]

Yeah, Haakon's ascension isn't due to merit, just like MM's isn't. But since he is THE future head of state and she's just his plus one and the more insignificant one, he's more vulnerable as to his behavior. The expectations of him are higher and with a good reason. MM, as HM The Queen can just not participate in anything public if so decided (due to her own behavior). For the King, this is no option. Why have him at all, then?

 

[kath2833]

The only good thing I can think of right now for Marius is that Haakon sees him as an actual son. I think in principle that’s important. He’s had a father figure since he was a child, albeit a bad one with how Haakon has allowed things to get with him, but still he doesn’t feel left out regarding that. If they weren’t royalty, I think he’d feel even less alone compared to his siblings.

 

[LadyFinn]

On Monday a week ago, Marius was remanded in custody for four weeks, after he was arrested and charged with assault, knife threats and breach of a restraining order against the "Frogner woman".
He has now been questioned, defense attorney Petar Sekulic confirms to Dagbladet.
- He pleads not guilty to threats and bodily harm, but will not appeal the prison sentence. This is because he must now focus fully on the matters covered by the indictment. We must investigate the grounds for suspicion for the new matters in more detail at a later date.
The offended woman was questioned by the police last week.
Police prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski informed Dagbladet that the investigation will soon be completed.
- The investigation is well underway, and as it appears now, it will be completed in the near future.

Avhørt: - Nekter straffskyld

Marius Borg Høiby (29) er avhørt om de nye lovbruddene han er siktet for.

www.dagbladet.no

 

[hereditarytitles]

Although the Crown Prince plays a central role in today's trial proceedings, he is not required to testify in court. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø (46) explained the following at the indictment hearing on August 18, 2025: "In my assessment, there have never been any encounters or contacts between members of the royal family and the defendant or the victims that would be so relevant as to warrant summoning them as witnesses. Nor could they shed any more light on the case than is already possible with the evidence presented." (..)

Marius Borg Høiby vor Gericht – Prozess im Live-Ticker: Nun wird’s auch für Haakon brisant

BILD berichtet live aus dem Gerichtssaal. Dem ältesten Sohn von Norwegens Kronprinzessin Mette-Marit werden Vergewaltigung und sexueller Missbrauch mehrerer Frauen vorgeworfen.

www.bild.de

 

[An Ard Ri]

On Monday a week ago, Marius was remanded in custody for four weeks, after he was arrested and charged with assault, knife threats and breach of a restraining order against the "Frogner woman".
He has now been questioned, defense attorney Petar Sekulic confirms to Dagbladet.
- He pleads not guilty to threats and bodily harm, but will not appeal the prison sentence. This is because he must now focus fully on the matters covered by the indictment. We must investigate the grounds for suspicion for the new matters in more detail at a later date.
The offended woman was questioned by the police last week.
Police prosecutor Andreas Kruszewski informed Dagbladet that the investigation will soon be completed.
- The investigation is well underway, and as it appears now, it will be completed in the near future.

Avhørt: - Nekter straffskyld

Marius Borg Høiby (29) er avhørt om de nye lovbruddene han er siktet for.

www.dagbladet.no

Its better and safer for everyone involved to keep Marius in prison during the trial as he is too unpredictable and has far too many serious abhorrent allegations against him.