Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be compelled to give evidence in a High Court fraud case involving payments of up to £750,000 made to members of his family, after a judge gave permission for lawyers to seek his testimony.
The case centres on Nebahat Isbilen, an 81-year-old Turkish millionairess who alleges that former Goldman Sachs banker Selman Turk misappropriated millions from her. Mr Turk denies the allegations.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is not accused of wrongdoing and the proceedings are not against him. He has become involved because payments were made to him and members of the York family in 2019.
Mr Justice Johnson ruled that Mr Turk could seek evidence from the former Duke of York at a trial due to begin in the week of November 16. In practice, the judge said, this was likely to require a witness summons.
The application was made by Mr Turk’s legal team, who believe Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s evidence could assist their client’s account of the transactions. The judge said a summons could be issued without further court permission if it was served more than seven days before the trial.
Mr Justice Johnson said: “Given the seriousness of the allegations, both on their own terms and in light of their wider impact, fairness requires that Mr Turk should be afforded an opportunity of putting forward his own case, using the evidence he considers relevant and material.”
He also found it was probable that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would decline to provide a witness statement voluntarily.
“It is highly unlikely that a person in the position of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would wish voluntarily to provide a witness statement and give evidence at a trial in public proceedings involving payments made by the wife of a person said to be a political prisoner in Turkey, in connection with a dispute about the reason the payments were made,” he said.
Mrs Isbilen alleges that Mr Turk, who had previously advised her, misled her about money transferred after she left Turkey to live in the UK. Her lawyers have told the court that substantial sums from her funds were paid to the former Duke of York’s household.
The payments said to have been arranged by Mr Turk included £350,000 to Andrew, £225,000 to Sarah, Duchess of York, and £25,000 to Princess Eugenie. A further £750,000 was described as a gift for Princess Beatrice’s wedding.
There has been no suggestion that Andrew or the other members of the York family acted improperly. Andrew and Sarah reached an agreement with Mrs Isbilen in 2023 to repay her an undisclosed sum.
The High Court has previously heard claims from Mrs Isbilen’s lawyers that tens of millions of pounds had been misappropriated and that Mr Turk had not explained where the money went. They said some funds were used for purposes unconnected with her, including substantial payments to Andrew and Sarah.
Mr Turk’s lawyers deny the allegations and say the former prince’s evidence may help establish his version of events. Whether Andrew appears in court is expected to depend on whether a witness summons is issued.
