OFFICIAL STATEMENT

It is my sincere hope that the judgments published today conclude these legal proceedings.

As we witness the devastating atrocities that are happening in Ukraine and so many other places in the world, my heart, mind and prayers are with the men, women and children who are suffering in unthinkable ways. This statement should not detract attention from the human tragedies that are unfolding by the hour.

I have not used my voice publicly at all for the duration of these proceedings out of respect for the Court, and to protect my family, but I feel I need to mark the end of this long period of litigation and convey my sincere thanks to those who have supported us throughout.

I have, for so long, wanted to express my deep gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II, my dear brother. You have ensured throughout our ordeal that your niece, Jalila, and nephew, Zayed, and I, always felt the protective arms of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan around us here in England, and that we remained constantly aware of your steadfast love and support - despite the complex challenges our predicament caused. I am also eternally grateful for the support of my brother, His Royal Highness Prince Ali, and my entire Jordanian family.

Jalila and Zayed love to sit and talk with me about Jordan - the honorable, strong people and proud history. The cooing of the doves at dawn as Amman is bathed in soft light. The knowledge that every footstep one takes is on soil walked upon by prophets, and civilisations of all kinds embraced in a land as old as time. The taste of cardamon in Bedouin coffee, the traditions, the beauty of our deserts and olive groves, and the blanket of green forests and wildflowers in spring. But most of all, the kind, true hearts of the Jordanian people. We adore and miss Jordan and the Jordanian people, and your continued love and support has been, and will always remain, a beacon of light.

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.

I wish to thank with all my heart the Family Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, and the CAFCASS Team, who have supported the children and I with such care and sensitivity. 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.

In the Royal Courts of Justice, there is a family of hardworking people: the stenographers, note-takers, the court security and clerks, who, with the tiniest, gentle gestures, or an encouraging smile and a cheery 'Good Morning!' made my days feel safe and bearable. I deeply appreciate their generosity of spirit.

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.

It was one of the great honours of my life to be a part of the early days of the UAE's story and to call Dubai my home and land of my children for so many years. 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.

I wish to thank Baroness Fiona Shackleton for her extraordinary heart. Fiona has worked to protect us night and day for three long, hard years. She has never shied away from telling me when I was wrong, nor of supporting me when I needed to dig deep. Thank you, Fiona, for giving me strength in the darkest hours, for carrying me when I felt too tired to keep going, and for never missing an opportunity to make me smile.

Through this journey I have felt closer to my own mother, who I lost young, than ever before. I know if my mother was alive today she would be grateful, as I am, and she would say that no woman has fought harder for another woman than Fiona Shackleton fought for me. Fiona's grace, her courage, and her enormous heart will be a guiding example for me for the rest of my life. I am truly blessed and honoured by all Fiona has done and continues to do for me. Thank you for keeping my children and I safe, and together.

Baroness Shackleton, the wonderful team at Payne Hicks Beach, and Counsel, have navigated so many areas of law in the multiple facets of this case. They have done so with the utmost integrity, dignity, and tenacity. I will never forget how each and every one of you agonised over our case in your efforts to protect us. The hours, energy and sheer human determination you showed were completely inspiring. I know that you put your own lives on hold for three years in order to protect ours. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Hard times bring the bravest hearts to the fore; Dr. William Marczak's brilliance, rigour and decency will never be forgotten. There are others, who I cannot name, who have also shown incredible courage and integrity in all they have done, never hesitating to protect us despite the significant risks they have been exposed to. To all of you, I offer my heartfelt thanks.

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.

Jalila, Zayed and I are not pawns to be used for division. As my father, His Majesty King Hussein Bin Talal, would have wished, we will continue to honour our family's proud tradition of peace, bringing people together and building bridges in the Middle East and to the West.

The children and I will hold dear our unshakeable belief in goodness, kindness and humanity. We will always remain true to those values.

24th March 2022