‘Driving Force’: Saudi princess’ photo on vogue Arabia cover sparks row

GB news 24 desk//

Saudi Arabia’s landmark law allowing women to drive is being celebrated by Vogue’s cover featuring a glamorous princess behind the wheel of a car.

Her Royal Highness Hayfa Bint Abdullah Al Saud, daughter of the late King Abdullah, was today unveiled as the cover star of the groundbreaking June issue.

Vogue Arabia is to feature the photograph of the royal in the driving seat of a convertible to celebrate the ban on Saudi women drivers finally being lifted next month.

Irish photographer-to-the-stars Boo George shot the picture of Princess Hayfa, a professional artist in her own right, reports The Sun.

She is seen in a flowing white outfit completed with a matching headscarf as she sat in the car just outside Jeddah.

The edition will be the first to be dedicated to Saudi Arabia.

Vogue Arabia’s editor-in-chief, Manuel Arnaut said: ‘Her Royal Highness is a generous woman with a truly elegant and noble presence, and the daughter of the late King Abdullah, a beloved ruler of Saudi Arabia.

‘A mother of three, the princess dedicates her life to her family and her art.

‘I was deeply honoured when she accepted our invitation to grace our June cover.

‘As people from the region are aware, the ruling families of Arabia are extremely private, which makes me deeply humbled for such an act of trust.’