Princess Haya of Jordan has made her first public appearance since her much-discussed divorce from Dubai's Sheikh, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Princess attended a horseback riding event alongside her daughter, 17-year-old Sheikha Jalila.
The appearance of the princess and her daughter is a rare one, especially since Haya's escape to London, where she faced her former husband in court. Together, the princess and the Sheikha attended the Chepstow Summer International in the UK, where the princess presented the trophy to King Hussein.
Princess Haya and Sheikha Jalila presented the award to Jessica Burke, who rode the African Affair, a 13-year-old horse who's won several prestigious awards alongside other riders.
Sheikha Jalila is beginning to make her first public appearances showing off her long brown hair and her impressive height, being already taller than her mother. This December, she'll be celebrating her 18th birthday.
The Princess' life in London
It seems like Princess Haya and her kids' most challenging moments have been left behind. In 2019, she escaped Dubai with her two kids, Jalila and 13-year-old Zayed, with them requesting asylum in the UK.
Her divorce from the Sheik was finalized in December 2021 after a long and grueling public case. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom determined that the Sheikh must pay a 650 million euros settlement, an unprecedented sum granted in a divorce case.
"There is a clear and ever-present risk to these children that is almost certain to persist until they obtain their independence," said the judge.
When it comes to Princess Haya, the judge said, "There will remain a clear and ever-present risk to [Princess Haya] for the remainder of her life, whether it be from [Sheikh Mohammed] or just from the normal terrorist and other threats."
Princess Haya was the sixth wife of Sheik Mohammed. He has 23 children with his six wives, with his son, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, as his heir.