Wealthy lifestyle lived behind closed doors in Britain

Saudis in Britain include members of the royal family, wealthy businessmen and socialites and are distinguished by their free-spending activities and love of expensive lifestyles.

Although most of their activities are conducted discreetly in London's top hotels, apartments or stockbroker-belt properties, sometimes light is shed on their lives of wealth and privilege.

Three years ago, court papers disclosed how Prince Mohammed bin Nawwaf bin Abdul Aziz, the ambassador to Britain and a nephew of King Abdullah, ordered an aide to spend £3million on watches, designer goods, expensive hotels and customised vehicles on his behalf over 18 months.

One regular visitor to Britain is the King's cousin Khalid Abdullah who has become one of the world's most successful racehorse breeders, with three stud farms in England.

Although Saudis own many properties and businesses in London, most deals are done through nominee companies so tracking precise ownership is hard.