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 recent publication has cast new light on the financial arrangements surrounding Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s extravagant wedding gifts, raising further intrigue about the Duke of York’s financial affairs. The book Entitled, authored by historian Andrew Lownie, highlights the connections between the royal family and high-profile individuals linked to their opulent lifestyles.
High-profile attendees and generous contributions
The text reveals that Tarek Kaituni, a Libyan firearms dealer, was among the guests at Eugenie’s 2018 nuptials. Notably, he had previously gifted her a £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen was reportedly responsible for transferring £750,000 into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s personal bank account, allegedly earmarked for Beatrice’s wedding.
“That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money in to the company,” remarked a judge during the ensuing legal dispute.
These lavish contributions are often traced back to the princesses’ parents and their financial ventures over the years, prompting ongoing scrutiny into how their daughters’ extravagant habits were supported. The involvement of figures like Isbilen and Kaituni has deepened the mystery, particularly as their ties to the Duke remain central to the narrative.
Dr. Johnny Hon and the Gate Ventures saga
Dr. Johnny Hon, a Hong Kong entrepreneur, was a VIP at the 2018 wedding. His relationship with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, had been close, as she had joined his company, Gate Ventures, as a non-executive director. However, tensions arose when Chinese investors challenged the company, alleging that misleading information had been provided about loans to Ginger & Moss, a venture led by the Duchess.
“All activities charged to the company were ‘for the benefit of Gate and were legitimate business expenses,’” Dr. Hon later stated, defending his financial ties to the royal family.
Despite his claims, the £3 million in expenses reportedly linked to the Duchess of York sparked skepticism. The claim that £8,000 was allocated for a tea meeting with her seemed to contradict the investors’ expectations, as noted by a judge in the case.
From Tunisia to legal scrutiny
Three years after the wedding, the Duke and his wife were said to have taken a four-day trip to Tunisia, funded by a Middle Eastern billionaire. The visit included a meeting with Colonel Gaddafi, adding another layer to the financial narrative. Kaituni and business adviser Selman Turk were both said to have met with the ex-Duke, drawing attention during the 2022 Virginia Giuffre settlement.
The settlement intensified scrutiny of Andrew’s finances, leading to questions about a £750,000 payment made to his account in 2019. Isbilen, who was suing Turk for £40 million, claimed the funds had been misused, though Turk suggested they were a gift for a Turkish passport. Andrew’s office reportedly told Isbilen that the payment was a wedding gift for Beatrice, emphasizing that its use was up to the family.
Pitch@Palace award and public backlash
The timing of the £750,000 transfer coincided with Turk’s win at Pitch@Palace, where he received an award for his digital bank concept. Sources described the event as “appalling,” further fueling doubts about the Duke’s financial decisions. An insider shared with Lownie: “I just remember thinking, ‘How did he get through…”
The revelations continue to deepen the investigation into the Duke’s financial backers, with his ties to both Isbilen and Kaituni remaining key points of contention. As the story unfolds, the question of who truly funded the York sisters’ extravagant lives grows ever more complex.
