The mansion stands in picture-perfect splendour overlooking Kensington Palace on a tree-lined private road known as Billionaires’ Row guarded by liveried gatekeepers. Outside, on Britain’s most expensive street, all is calm. But behind the bullet-proof glass of the mansion on Palace Green, a menacing domestic drama is being played out.

British government alleged to have been lobbied for return of Princess Haya

Lovelorn poems written by one of the Middle East’s most celebrated if eccentric leaders have prompted reports that his wife has fled the country and sought asylum in Europe.