The former wife of a wealthy Saudi businessman is entitled to lead an affluent lifestyle, a judge has ruled.
Her former husband, a wealthy Saudi businessman, was ordered by Hon Mrs Justice Baron to increase a proposed living allowance of £10,000 per month to £12,500 per month, or £150,000 per year, to include such expenses as clothes, domestic assistance and beauty treatments.
The husband had already agreed to give his former wife ownership of a £2.5 million flat in Piccadilly, as well as a lump sum of £1.5 million.
Mrs Justice Baron criticised the husband for “woeful” disclosure of his financial affairs and said he tried to use money as a “form of weapon” during the divorce proceedings. She estimated his annual income as in excess of £500,000.
The couple were married for 11 years and enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle, with two properties in Saudi Arabia and one in London. The husband originally came to the UK to attend the Sandhurst military academy. According to the judge, they were “good-looking and sophisticated”. When the marriage ended, she received a special £28,000 necklace.
Since the separation the woman has reportedly suffered from depression and had suicidal thoughts, the court was told.
A doctor said she had retreated to the Piccadilly flat: “She appears to feel safe there and has retreated from the world to be within its walls with her cat.”
The woman was in a “perilous state of mental health” and would be unable to work, noted the judge.
