Oslo District Court has ruled that portions of the trial against Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will be closed to the public during the testimony of alleged victims. The decision, delivered on November 6, 2025, partially grants requests from several of the prosecuting attorneys to shield the identities and statements of those who have accused Høiby, while simultaneously upholding a desire for transparency expressed by the defendant himself.
Høiby’s defense team, comprised of Ellen Holager Andenæs and Petar Sekulic, had advocated for an open trial, with limited closures only pertaining to the discussion of the 28-year-old’s personal health information. Several prosecuting attorneys countered with requests for a fully closed-door proceeding. The court ultimately determined a middle ground, allowing press access during the closed portions of the testimony with restrictions on detailed reporting.
“After the court’s view, the public interest dictates that the press should be present during the testimony, so that it is possible to put the case under public debate. Editorially controlled media will be allowed to be present during the closed court session with limited restrictions on reporting,” the court stated in its ruling.
The decision follows a prior incident on February 20, 2026, where Dagbladet commentator Sigrid Hvidsten was barred from the courtroom after violating a photography ban by taking a picture of a screen during a video feed. Dagbladet subsequently appealed the decision to reinstate Hvidsten’s access, but Oslo District Court rejected the appeal on February 20, 2026, citing concerns that allowing her return would “create an impression of acceptance for this type of violation” and potentially lead to further disruptions.
Dagbladet has indicated it will consider further legal action regarding Hvidsten’s exclusion. The trial against Marius Borg Høiby is scheduled to initiate in February 2026.
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