Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been served a summons compelling him to give evidence in a High Court fraud case. The summons requires him to appear in mid-December, either in person or via video, as a witness in proceedings against Turkish businessman Selman Turk.
Isbilen, an elderly Turkish millionairess, claims that Turk, her former adviser, misled her regarding a £750,000 payment made to the Duke of York in 2019. The case centers on Isbilen's allegations that Turk stole millions from her. The York family was involved when Turk allegedly arranged payments to Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the Yorks, who reached an undisclosed settlement with Isbilen in 2023.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is not accused of any wrongdoing, and the case is not about him. However, his lawyers confirmed he is expected to be questioned about his finances. He is the first royal to be issued such a witness summons since the 19th century. A judge previously noted it was "highly unlikely that a person in the position of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would wish voluntarily" to provide evidence.
Turk's lawyers believe the Duke of York can help verify his version of events and were granted permission to call him as a witness. In a judgment on October 23, Mr Justice Johnson agreed, stating that fairness required Mr Turk to have an opportunity to present his case with relevant evidence. The trial was initially scheduled to begin the week of November 16.