Princess Haya made the choice to resign from her role as the President of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports so she can care for her two young children.

Princess Haya resigned as the President of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports so she can be the best mother possible

Earlier this month, Haya announced she would not to stand for a third term as the head of the FEI with the main motivation for her shock departure being her commitment to her and her husband his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's children, Sheikha Al Jalila, six, and Sheikh Zayed, two.

Haya's mother died when she was just three and that loss has inspired her to be present in her kids' lives.

In a statement, she said: "Fate took my own mother away from me when I was three years of age. That experience greatly influences my efforts to strike the right work-life balance with my own two young children. I have always managed this balance in the past, but recent events have made me question my ability to do so.

"The situation in my region is turbulent and desperate at the moment. You will understand that these are also my people and my family, so recently much of the work that I have balanced with my FEI Presidency in the past has begun to make itself a first priority. In the last weeks, I have needed to put aside some of my work for the FEI to concentrate on humanitarian relief to Gaza and other work in that sector. And I feel that this is just the beginning.

"To fulfil my commitments to humanitarian work and to raise my children with the time to love them seems truly overwhelming; it is clear to me that I cannot in good faith promise to give my all in each of these areas while also continuing to be the hands-on President that the FEI needs and deserves. After agonising over these conflicting worries and desires, I realise that my decision cannot be put off any longer. For the good of the FEI and most of all, our community, this decision had to be reached in good time to allow the many excellent candidates to come forward.

I have no doubt that the future of the FEI is solid. I am very proud of the many things we were able to achieve together during my time in office ... I remain deeply honoured to have held this position for eight years."

The FEI is responsible for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, where Zara Phillips - granddaughter of Queen Elisabeth II - will be competing for Great Britain, while Jessica Springsteen, daughter of American rock star Bruce Springsteen, will be representing the USA.

Princess Haya is the daughter of the King Hussein of Jordan and represented her country at showjumping at the

2000 Olympics in Australia.

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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