Court wants to release Norwegian 'bonus prince' to be with sick mother, but prosecution appeals

A Norwegian court has ruled for the conditional release of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, allowing him to be with his ailing mother. However, the prosecution has appealed this decision, resulting in Høiby remaining in jail for the time being.

Høiby, 29, had his lawyers submit a request for conditional release, emphasizing his desire to be by his mother's side. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, has been battling pulmonary fibrosis since 2018 and is currently on a lung transplant waiting list, according to the royal household.

"It is unbearable to be imprisoned while my mother is so unwell," Høiby declared in court during the hearing for his release request. He has been in custody since February 2, when he was arrested and charged with new offenses against an ex-girlfriend. His pre-trial detention was extended multiple times, and previous attempts for release were denied.

The court's decision to grant conditional release was based on his mother's deteriorating health. The prosecution's appeal, however, means that Høiby's plea for temporary freedom to care for his mother has been temporarily halted.

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It is unbearable to be imprisoned while my mother is so unwell.