ROYALS CAUGHT UP IN SHEIKH’S DIVORCE SCANDAL
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, attended Royal Ascot last month, alongside the British royals. The billionaire racehorse owner attends most years, and was pictured with William and Kate and spoke to the Queen, but his sixth and youngest wife, Princess Haya – who often attends with her husband – failed to appear at this year’s event.
Last week, news broke that Princess Haya had run away from home and had been plotting her escape for months.
Haya fled to London and is now said to be living in a mansion near Kensington Palace with their two children. She chose to leave after being told that her husband lied to her about imprisoning and torturing his older daughter, Princess Latifa.
While the 69-year-old Sheikh had told his wife that Latifa was the victim of extortion and had to be rescued, apparently this wasn’t the case and she had in fact tried to escape from her father and start a new life in the US.
Reports state that Latifa, 33, fled Dubai on a yacht last year but was caught and is currently being imprisoned. In a video, which was recorded before her alleged escape bid, the princess talks about being beaten and tortured, after a previous failed attempt to flee. “There’s not justice here,” she said. “Especially if you’re a female, your life is so disposable.”
It was the realisation that her husband was capable of hurting his own child in this way that caused Princess Haya, 45, to escape with her two children.
Haya arrived in London months ago and is seeking political asylum while asking for a divorce. The couple are now said to be embroiled in a custody battle.
According to the BBC, Princess Haya is “afraid for her life”. And while she first sought refuge in Germany, the princess would prefer to stay in the UK where she studied. Haya is said to be close to the British royal family and with her living near the palace, the royals would no doubt be worried about being caught up in the separation when they have their own family issues.