Dubai Ruler’s Ex-Wife Princess Haya Had Affair with British Bodyguard, Allegedly Paid Rs 12 Crore for Silence

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai, and Princess Haya 

Princess Haya, the sixth wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reportedly paid approximately Rs 12 crore to her British bodyguard lover to keep their two-year affair a secret, according to a report published on Monday.

Additionally, she allegedly paid similar amounts to three other Dubai royal family bodyguards who became aware of the affair, reportedly to ensure their silence.

According to the Daily Mail, besides the substantial hush money, 46-year-old Princess Haya, daughter of the late King of Jordan, also lavished her lover—identified as 37-year-old Russell Flowers—with luxurious gifts, including a watch worth around Rs 12 lakh and a vintage shotgun valued at approximately Rs 49 lakh.

Affair Exposed During Custody Battle

The secret relationship came to light during Princess Haya’s child custody hearing against Sheikh Mohammed in London’s High Court.

Flowers, a former soldier who served for five years in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, began working full-time as Haya’s bodyguard in 2016, accompanying her on numerous international trips.

The affair reportedly led to the collapse of Flowers’ four-year marriage. His ex-wife was said to be “devastated” upon discovering the betrayal. Friends of Flowers’ ex-wife claimed that the princess used money and lavish gifts to lure him into the relationship.

“When she was in the UK, she would be out with him almost every night, and sometimes they wouldn’t return home until the next morning,” a source revealed. “Russell’s behavior changed drastically—he went from a loving husband to someone his wife no longer recognized.”

Princess Haya’s Escape and Custody Battle

Reports indicate that the princess dismisses several claims regarding the affair. However, after being confronted by Sheikh Mohammed, she fled Dubai in 2018 with her two children and sought refuge in London.

Following the high-profile legal battle, Princess Haya was granted custody of her two children—an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son.

She now resides with them in a luxurious property in Kensington, London, reportedly worth around Rs 850 crore.