Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as the Duke of York, has been served with a witness summons requiring him to appear in the High Court on or around 15 December to give evidence in a fraud trial. The case involves allegations by a wealthy Turkish woman, Nebahat Isbilen, who claims she was defrauded by her former financial adviser, Selman Turk.
Unprecedented Royal Testimony
This marks the first time Mountbatten-Windsor will face public questioning since his controversial BBC Newsnight interview in 2019. It is also believed to be the first instance of a royal receiving such a summons since the 19th century, making it a highly unusual and closely watched event.
While Mountbatten-Windsor is not accused of any wrongdoing, he may be questioned about his financial arrangements, as he reportedly received some of the disputed payments, including a transfer of £750,000. The summons was issued this week, and the trial is set to begin in mid-November.
Background of the Case
Isbilen alleges that Turk misled her into transferring £750,000 to Mountbatten-Windsor, claiming it was for assistance with a passport. Turk denies the allegation, asserting that the payment was a gift initiated by Isbilen to curry favor with the then duke and had no connection to a passport.
The case also examines another substantial payment of around £768,000 from Isbilen's account in January 2020. Turk claims this was a loan to Mountbatten-Windsor for the purchase of a chalet in Switzerland, a claim that Isbilen contests and that has been challenged in previous hearings.
Turk met Mountbatten-Windsor in autumn 2019 through the Pitch@Palace project, a pitching event run by the former duke. This led to social gatherings involving Turk, his family, Isbilen, and the then Duke and Duchess of York.
Legal Proceedings and Expectations
Last month, a judge granted permission for Mountbatten-Windsor to be called as a witness, and the summons was issued this week. The trial is expected to commence later this month, with Mountbatten-Windsor's testimony scheduled for around 15 December, likely in person but possibly via video link.
Justice Adam Johnson, who approved the summons, emphasized that given the seriousness of the allegations, Turk should have access to "the evidence he considers relevant and material." Turk's representatives, Janes Solicitors, stated that he denies the claims of dishonesty and looks forward to being vindicated in court.
Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment. The trial is expected to draw significant media attention, not only for the legal issues but also for the rare opportunity to hear from the former duke, who has largely avoided public scrutiny since being stripped of his titles.
This case also raises questions about the financial dealings of the royal family and the transparency of their arrangements, topics that have been subject to increasing scrutiny in recent years.
