Saudi Princess sued by French shops

Luxury retailers in Paris are suing a Saudi princess who allegedly owes tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, a lawyer for two shops said.

Maha al-Sudairi, the wife of the Saudi interior minister, is accused of owing the two shops 117,000 euros.

The lawyer, Jacky Benazerah, said a court order had been obtained for bailiffs to go to the George V hotel in Paris and seize her belongings. Ms Sudairi has diplomatic immunity because of her husband's status.

Reports say several upmarket shops are owed money, including the clothes retailer Key Largo, a lingerie shop and jewellers. Some bills are alleged to have remained unpaid for more than a year.

Mr Benazerah told the BBC that a bailiff, accompanied by a locksmith, would go to the George V Hotel - partly owned by Ms Sudairi's nephew, Prince Al-Walid bin Talal - later on Friday.

Due to her high status, the police presence would have to be authorised by senior officials within the police force and the interior ministry, he added. He was not certain that this would happen.

But Mr Benazerah said he was confident the princess would agree to an "amicable" settlement. The Paris court where Mr Benazerah has filed his case has refused to comment, and Ms Sudairi has not responded to calls from the media.