Princess Haya Joins Sarah Ferguson in Support After Divorce from Dubai's Ruler

Princess Haya bint Hussein of Jordan has found an ally in Sarah Ferguson following her high-profile divorce from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emir of Dubai. The two women are supporting each other in the aftermath of Haya's contentious split from the influential ruler.

A senior High Court judge in London made significant rulings related to the divorce case. The judge determined that Princess Haya's phone had been hacked using controversial Pegasus spyware, and this was done with the "express or implied authority" of Sheikh Mohammed himself. The court also found that agents working on behalf of the sheikh had attempted to purchase an estate in Surrey, England, in an effort to intimidate the princess after she had left the marriage.

The judge further concluded that Baroness Shackleton, Princess Haya's divorce attorney, was among several individuals targeted by the Pegasus spyware at the behest of Sheikh Mohammed. These findings, according to the ruling, showed "a total abuse of trust, and indeed an abuse of power" by the Emir of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed has denied the allegations made against him. However, this latest judgment has intensified pressure on the UK government and authorities to take effective action in response to the sheikh's conduct.

Why this matters: The case highlights the potential misuse of sophisticated spyware by powerful individuals and the challenges in holding them accountable. It also underscores the importance of support networks for women leaving high-profile marriages, particularly when facing intimidation tactics.

Despite the sheikh's denials, the High Court's findings paint a troubling picture of the lengths to which he allegedly went to target Princess Haya and those around her. As Baroness Shackleton noted in a statement, the hacking of her device was "a deliberate invasion of my privacy and that of my client, Princess Haya." The case has brought renewed scrutiny to Sheikh Mohammed's actions and the UK's diplomatic ties with the UAE.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Haya of Jordan found an ally in Sarah Ferguson after divorce from Sheikh Mohammed.
• UK court ruled Princess Haya's phone was hacked using Pegasus spyware by Sheikh Mohammed's agents.
• Court found Sheikh Mohammed's agents tried to intimidate Princess Haya by buying an estate.
• Haya's lawyer Baroness Shackleton was also targeted by Pegasus spyware on Sheikh Mohammed's orders.
• The case highlights misuse of spyware by powerful individuals and challenges in holding them accountable.