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
Exclusive revelations about the York sisters’ extravagant wedding gifts raise new questions about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s financial dealings
A recent publication has shed light on the generous, six-figure sums bestowed upon Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice during their nuptials, stirring renewed scrutiny of the Duke of York’s finances. Historian Andrew Lownie’s book, *Entitled*, highlights how these gifts may be connected to a network of individuals with ties to the royal family’s financial activities.
The enigmatic attendees and their ties to the Duke
Among the notable guests at Eugenie’s 2018 wedding, which took place at Windsor Castle, was Tarek Kaituni—a convicted Libyan firearms dealer. Kaituni, who had known Andrew since 2005, also gifted Eugenie a £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen allegedly funneled £750,000 into the Duke’s personal bank account, reportedly earmarked for Beatrice’s ceremony.
“That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money into the company,” remarked a judge during a 2022 case involving the Duke’s finances.
These lavish contributions have prompted inquiries into how the princesses’ high-profile lifestyles were sustained. Their parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, are often linked to the funds, suggesting a web of financial support that extends beyond traditional royal expenses.
The Gate Ventures controversy
In 2018, the Duke’s connection to Gate Ventures, a venture capital firm, came under fire. Dr. Johnny Hon, the company’s chairman, had previously worked with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. His involvement raised questions when Chinese investors contested the firm’s financial practices, alleging misrepresentation regarding loans to Ginger & Moss, a company founded by the Duchess.
“No part of the spending was for my personal benefit or enjoyment,” Dr. Hon asserted, defending the expenses as necessary for the company’s operations.
According to Lownie, Sarah Ferguson was recruited to assist with Gate’s international growth. However, the firm’s expenditures—including £8,000 for a tea meeting with the Duchess—were later scrutinized, with critics suggesting they served personal interests rather than business goals.
Connections to the Virginia Giuffre settlement
The financial intrigue deepened in 2022, following the Virginia Giuffre settlement. At the time, Nebahat Isbilen was embroiled in a lawsuit against Selman Turk, a business adviser connected to the Duke. Isbilen claimed Turk had misused £40 million in funds, including a £750,000 transfer to Andrew’s private account in 2019, which the Duke’s office described as a “gift for the wedding” or a “gift to Princess Beatrice.”
Adding to the controversy, the payment occurred just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept. Sources called the award “appalling,” underscoring the perceived disconnect between the prize and the company’s financial practices.
These revelations continue to fuel debates about the extent of the Duke’s financial influence and the roles of his associates in funding the royal family’s opulent events and lifestyle choices.
