Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the Queen of Norway, has been authorized by police to leave house arrest to attend the funeral of King Harald V in Oslo. The 29-year-old was granted permission following the death of the monarch on Friday at the age of 89.
Prosecutor Oda Karterud told AFP that the prosecution service considered it appropriate to approve the temporary leave requests submitted by Høiby in connection with the king's death. She confirmed that authorization had been granted for Høiby to attend the funeral service scheduled for September 9.
Authorities have also allowed Høiby to attend the transfer of the king's body to the Royal Palace chapel on Monday. On the eve of the monarch's death, Høiby had received permission to visit King Harald in the hospital.
Høiby was born to Mette-Marit from a prior relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. Although he was raised within the royal household, he holds no official royal title or position in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne. King Harald V had served as Norway's head of state since 1991, reigning from the Royal Palace in the capital city of Oslo.
Conviction and house arrest
In June, Høiby was convicted of two counts of rape and 32 other charges, including the abuse of a former partner. A court sentenced him to four years in prison for the offenses.
Since mid-July, the 29-year-old has been serving his sentence under house arrest while fitted with an electronic tracking bracelet as he awaits the resolution of his trial on appeal. Electronic monitoring is used in the Norwegian justice system to supervise individuals confined to their residences during active legal proceedings.
House arrest with electronic monitoring allows defendants under conviction to remain under constant electronic surveillance at home while higher courts review their cases. Temporary leave from house arrest is strictly regulated by law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, requiring formal approval for specific events such as family bereavements.
Royal mourning and memorial services
Following the announcement of King Harald V's death, members of the public gathered in Oslo to lay flowers and written messages of condolence in honor of the late monarch. The tributes outside the royal residence reflect widespread national mourning across Norway.
The Royal Palace chapel traditionally holds private family viewings and memorial services for deceased members of the royal family before formal public ceremonies take place. The upcoming funeral on September 9 will mark the official state ceremony for King Harald V before the nation transitions to the new reign.
