Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has been issued a summons requiring him to give evidence in a High Court fraud case. The summons mandates his appearance, either in person or via video, in mid-December.
The case involves Nebahat Isbilen, an elderly Turkish millionairess, who alleges that her former adviser, Selman Turk, misled her regarding a payment of £750,000 made to Prince Andrew in 2019. Mr. Turk, who denies the allegations, has requested Prince Andrew's testimony, believing it will support his version of events.
Prince Andrew is not accused of any wrongdoing in the case, and the proceedings are not centered on him. However, he is expected to face questions about his finances. The judge agreed in October that Mr. Turk should have permission to seek evidence from the former prince, noting that it was unlikely Prince Andrew would voluntarily provide a statement given the sensitive nature of the proceedings.
This marks the first instance of a royal being served such a witness summons since the 19th century. The allegations against Mr. Turk include misappropriating tens of millions of pounds from Mrs. Isbilen. Court documents have previously indicated that substantial sums from Mrs. Isbilen's funds were allegedly paid to the household of the Duke and Duchess of York. These payments included £350,000 to Andrew, £225,000 to the Duchess of York, and amounts for Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. The Duke and Duchess of York reached an undisclosed settlement with Mrs. Isbilen in 2023.