Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor called to give evidence in fraud trial next month

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been officially summoned to appear in the High Court to give testimony in a fraud trial scheduled for around 15 December, according to the BBC. This witness summons requires him to provide evidence and answer questions related to a case involving an elderly Turkish woman who accuses her former financial adviser of deceit.

While Mountbatten-Windsor is not alleged to have committed any wrongdoing himself, the summons is connected to allegations regarding his financial transactions. It is reported that he received some contested payments, including a transfer of £750,000, which has drawn scrutiny. The upcoming court proceedings mark his first public questioning since his 2019 interview on BBC Newsnight.

This legal development is unprecedented, with Mountbatten-Windsor believed to be the first royal since the 19th Century to receive such a summons. The media is expected to pay close attention, especially as it offers a rare occasion to hear from the former Duke of York following the removal of his royal titles. Permission for his testimony was granted by a judge last month, allowing the summons to be issued recently. The trial itself is set to commence in mid-November, with his witness appearance likely to be in person, though there is a possibility it could happen via video link.

The trial centres on claims made by Nebahat Isbilen, who alleges her former financial adviser, Selman Turk, manipulated her and misappropriated her assets. Turk denies these accusations. The case will explore disputed payments made from Isbilen’s funds, including the £750,000 payment to Mountbatten-Windsor, which Isbilen claims she was misled into making under the belief it was for passport assistance. Turk, however, contends the payment was a voluntary gift intended to foster goodwill with the then duke and was unrelated to any passport matter.

Further scrutiny surrounds another substantial payment of approximately £768,000 made in January 2020. Turk maintains this was a loan to Mountbatten-Windsor for purchasing a chalet in Switzerland, a claim contested by Isbilen and considered during previous court sessions. Turk reportedly met Mountbatten-Windsor in late 2019 through the Pitch@Palace initiative, a program similar to Dragon’s Den, which the then duke managed. This connection led to social interactions involving Turk, his family, Isbilen, and the Duke and Duchess of York.

Justice Adam Johnson has emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and ruled that Turk must have access to evidence he finds relevant. This ruling facilitated Turk’s success in obtaining the summons for Mountbatten-Windsor’s testimony. Representatives for Turk, Janes Solicitors, have reiterated their client’s denial of dishonesty and expressed confidence in his vindication through the trial.

As the case proceeds, Mountbatten-Windsor has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond. The High Court trial is anticipated to begin later this month, with Mountbatten-Windsor’s input expected to play a significant role in the proceedings