As questions grow over who funded the York sisters’ lavish lifestyles, how a Libyan gun smuggler was invited to Eugenie’s wedding, while bride Beatrice received ‘£750,000 as a gift’ from Turkish millionairess
As questions grow over who funded the York sisters’ lavish lifestyles, how a Libyan gun smuggler was invited to Eugenie’s wedding, while bride Beatrice received ‘£750,000 as a gift’ from Turkish millionairess
A new book has uncovered further intrigue surrounding the financial arrangements of Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, particularly highlighting the significant sums allocated as ‘wedding gifts’ and the connections to their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Historian Andrew Lownie’s work, Entitled, reveals how these generous contributions have drawn scrutiny into the Duke’s economic dealings.
Among the notable attendees at Eugenie’s 2018 wedding was Tarek Kaituni, a Libyan firearms trafficker, who was known for gifting the princess an £18,000 diamond necklace on her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen allegedly transferred £750,000 to Andrew’s personal account, purportedly to support Beatrice’s nuptials. These figures have raised eyebrows, especially given the royal family’s reputation for opulence.
Financial entanglements and court disputes
The princesses’ parents, particularly their mother Sarah Ferguson, have been linked to these financial activities. In 2018, Ferguson’s role as a non-executive director at Gate Ventures, a firm chaired by Dr Johnny Hon, came under fire when Chinese investors contested the company’s practices. They claimed misleading information had been provided about loans to Ginger & Moss, a venture tied to the Duchess, and that £19 million of £24 million raised from shareholders had been “lost.”
“That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money in to the company.” – Judge’s statement on the court case
Dr Hon, who had previously collaborated with Sarah Ferguson, reportedly spent £3 million on expenses during his time with Gate Ventures. These included a £8,000 meeting with the Duchess of York. Despite his assertions that all costs were “for the benefit of Gate and legitimate business expenses,” the arrangement has been questioned, especially as it coincided with allegations of misuse of funds against him.
Meanwhile, Isbilen’s legal disputes with Selman Turk, a business adviser, added another layer of complexity. Turk was accused of misappropriating £40 million, with Isbilen claiming one instance involved £750,000 sent to Andrew’s account in 2019. Turk stated this was because the Duke was aiding her in obtaining a Turkish passport, but Andrew’s office countered that it was a gift for Beatrice’s wedding.
Controversial ties and royal extravagance
Further scrutiny emerged in 2022 when the Virginia Giuffre settlement intensified questions about Andrew’s finances. This period also saw the Duke’s association with Kaituni and Turk, both of whom were reportedly involved in meetings with him. Notably, the £750,000 transfer to Andrew’s account occurred just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept, which insiders described as “appalling.”
The revelations underscore the broader narrative of the York sisters’ affluent upbringing, with their parents’ financial networks seemingly funding their extravagant lifestyle. From luxury weddings to international travel, the connection between these figures and the royal family’s expenses continues to spark debate about transparency and accountability.
