Marius Borg Høiby (29), son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit (52), will not appear in person in the courtroom for the announcement of his verdict next Monday. As the Oslo District Court announced according to consistent media reports, the 29-year-old will follow the verdict announcement "for documented health reasons" via video connection from prison. His attorney Ellen Holager Andenæs confirmed this, but did not provide further details about her client's health condition. It was previously reported that Høiby was admitted to a hospital on Wednesday.
Verdict in a Closely Watched Trial
The verdict in this sensational case is scheduled for Monday morning. The Crown Princess's eldest son from a previous relationship faces a total of 40 charges. Among other things, he is alleged to have assaulted four women while they were sleeping, according to Norwegian law. The prosecution is demanding a prison sentence of seven years and seven months.
Request for Release Denied
Recently, Høiby requested to be released from pretrial detention in order to be with his seriously ill mother. However, an appeals court denied this request. There remains a high probability that Høiby would commit new offenses if released, as reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The judges specifically referenced a restraining order against a former girlfriend, which the 29-year-old had violated multiple times in the past.
Mother Awaiting a Donor Lung
Høiby's mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, suffers from the incurable lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. Her condition has deteriorated significantly in recent times. Just last week it became known that she was placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.
