Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, 45, is the sixth and most “junior wife, of one of the world’s richest men, Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The Princess was educated in the UK and is a friend of the British Royal Family. She and Queen Elizabeth II share a passion for horses and in 2014 she honoured the queen with this priceless accolade.

Princess Haya is the half-sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan and was born into the UAE elite.

Despite her Middle Eastern roots, the Jordanian princess was educated in Britain and attended Dorset boarding school Bryanston before studying philosophy and politics at Oxford University.

Before she married Sheikh Mohammed, who is 25 years her senior, Princess Haya was an accomplished equestrian.

She even rode for Jordan’s equestrian team in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Both Princess Haya and her husband own racehorses as does Queen Elizabeth.

While Sheikh Mohammed founded and owns the prestigious Godolphin racing operation, Princess Haya inherited thoroughbreds from her late father.

They have met the Queen together on many occasions at racecourses over the years and are regulars at Royal Ascot.

Princess Haya has also spent time alone with Queen including when they visited Windsor Royal Horse Show together in 2009.

Princess Haya was the president of International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for two terms and in 2014 she honoured the Queen with this very special award.

On December 1, 2014 the Queen became the first-ever recipient of the FEI’s lifetime achievement award to mark her exceptional contribution to the horse world.

Princess Haya, who was FEI president at the time, presented Her Majesty with the award at Buckingham Palace.

At the time of the award ceremony, Princess Haya said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a life-long lover of horses who has inspired millions around the world and I am honoured to be able to present the first-ever FEI Lifetime Achievement award to Her Majesty on behalf of the FEI today.”

She continued: “She is a true horsewoman, who still rides whenever State business allows, and her knowledge of breeding and bloodlines is incredible.

“The bond between The Queen and horses is truly extraordinary and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to receive this very special FEI award in the Year of the Horse. I am very proud to be giving this award on behalf of the FEI family.”

The Queen’s lifelong love

The Queen’s love for horses is a lifelong passion, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.

He told Express.co.uk: “The Queen’s fondness for and knowledge of equine matters is famous.

“Royal Ascot is the first date entered in her diary every year. She had her first riding lesson at 3 and was given her first pony at 4.

“At 93 she is still riding. An insight into her enthusiasm which is unsurpassed was the film of her watching her horse, Estimate, win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013.

“She has had 23 winners there. Perhaps the most romantic image of the Queen was when she rode side-saddle during Trooping the Colour until 1986.”

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