Princess Haya previously attended hearings at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Aaron Chown/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)The Princess who fled to the UK to escape from her “abusive” marriage to the ruler of Dubai has spoken for the first time about the three-year High Court battle, insisting she and her children “are not pawns to be used for division”.
Princess Haya left Dubai in April 2019 with her two children, Jalila and Zayed, after her marriage to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 72, crumbled.
Speaking out on Thursday after the Sheikh was barred from regular involvement in his children’s upbringing, Princess Haya thanked her family, legal team and the staff at the Royal Courts of Justice in London for their support.
“The last few years have been a frightening journey and yet the sanctuary, protection and extraordinary compassion we have experienced in England have strengthened our belief in the enduring power of both humanity and justice”, she said.
“I have been deeply humbled, through this long and intense experience of British justice, to see with utter clarity the values and foundations that built this wonderful country.”
The Princess picked out top divorce lawyer Baroness Fiona Shackleton for her “grace, her courage, and her enormous heart”, adding: “Thank you for keeping my children and I safe, and together.”
She said the kindness of staff at the High Court’s Family Division “made my days feel safe and bearable”, continuing: “They have given us hope for a future of dignity, free as possible from fear – not a day will go by in my life that I do not feel gratitude for every freedom my children and I have and every moment we are given together.”
She concluded: “There are no words, no words at all, to describe the love, respect, admiration, and pride I have for the two bravest souls of all, Jalila and Zayed.
“They have met every hardship and challenge with dignity, faith and a renewed resolve to be kinder and more humble people, determined to love, serve, and contribute to a better world.”
Princess Haya also offered words of thanks to her brother, King Abdullah II of Jordan, for his “steadfast love and support”, and said she wants her children to learn about their heritage in Dubai as well.
“It was one of the great honours of my life to be a part of the early days of the United Arab Emirates’ story and to call Dubai my home and land of my children for so many years”, she said.
“The love and respect shown to us by so many people of all walks of life was heart-warming; we will never forget you. We are thankful for the many happy memories which we will focus on and keep alive in our hearts. You will remain forever in our prayers.
“I will continue to raise our children with respect for the values, cultures and traditions of both of their countries of origin, and pride in their heritage.
“They will always honour their roots and seek to make a positive contribution to this world in any way that they can as educated, honest and kind royal children.”
The Princess said she hopes the ruling, made in December and published today, will draw the lengthy and expensive legal proceedings to a close.
Sheikh Mohammed dropped a bid to have direct access to his children in the future, and has been told he cannot be involved in routine decisions about his childrens’ medical treatment and schooling.
In a damning ruling, Sir Andrew McFarlane called the Sheikh a “domestic abuser” and said his controlling and coercive behaviour toward Princess Haya was having an impact on the lives of the children.
In a statement, representatives for Sheikh Mohammed said he “wishes to make clear that he loves his children and cherishes their love for him. He has always cared and provided for them, and always will.
“He maintains his denial of the allegations made in these contentious proceedings, and asks that the media respect the privacy of his children and do not intrude into their lives.”
