A Norwegian court has ruled that Marius Borg Hoiby, stepson of King Haakon, can be released from custody while awaiting an appeal hearing against his rape convictions.
The Oslo District Court announced the decision on Monday, also approving the removal of his electronic ankle monitor.
However, the ruling must be reviewed by a higher court before it takes effect and could still be overturned.
Hoiby, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in June after being convicted of two counts of rape, domestic violence and other offences.
He has since appealed the verdict.
He is currently confined to his home on a royal estate outside Oslo, where he wears an electronic ankle monitor.
Under the latest court ruling, he will be required to report regularly to the police and undergo drug and alcohol tests over the coming month.
Prosecutors had opposed his release and requested an extension of his custody.
Hoiby’s appeal trial is scheduled to begin in February.
He is the son of Queen Mette-Marit, wife of King Haakon, from a previous relationship.
