The family of Princess Latifa Al Maktoum say she is "being cared for at home" and "will return to public life at the appropriate time", after self-filmed video messages from her Middle Eastern "villa jail" prompted widespread concern for her safety.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) had called for proof of life of the daughter of Dubai's ruler and international pressure to free her after footage emerged apparently showing the royal in distress.
The 35-year-old claimed her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had held her captive since she initially escaped in 2018.
Video messages recorded on a mobile phone, obtained by BBC Panorama, showed the princess crouched against the wall in a bathroom at the "villa jail" where she said she is being detained.
In the messages, she said: "I'm a hostage. And this villa has been converted into a jail.
"All the windows are barred shut, I can't open any window... I can't even go outside to get any fresh air."
But a family statement released through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in London has sought to downplay allegations of mistreatment.
The statement said: "In response to media reports regarding Sheikha Latifa, we want to thank those who have expressed concern for her wellbeing, despite the coverage which certainly is not reflective of the actual position.
"Her family has confirmed that Her Highness is being cared for at home, supported by her family and medical professionals.
"She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time."
The princess has accused her father, Sheikh Mohammed, of holding her hostage in Dubai since an attempt to flee the emirate in 2018.
Former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, a friend of Sheikh Mohammed's sixth wife Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, previously described Princess Latifa as a "troubled young woman", but has since admitted she was "misled".
She told Panorama: "I was misled, initially by my good friend Princess Haya, because she was misled."
The BBC programme aired videos in which Latifa says: "Every day I am worried about my safety and my life, I don't really know if I'm going to survive this situation.
"The police threatened me that I'll be in prison my whole life and I'll never see the sun again.
"I am really reaching a point now where I'm just getting so tired of everything... I just want to be free."
