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
Investigation into Royal Finances Sparks New Questions
A new book has uncovered further details about the financial support behind Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s weddings, intensifying scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s financial dealings. The revelations focus on the generous contributions, including six-figure sums, that funded the ceremonies.
High-Profile Guests and Unusual Gifts
Among the attendees of Eugenie’s 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle was Tarek Kaituni, a convicted Libyan arms dealer. Kaituni, who had previously gifted the princess an £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday, was linked to the event. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen reportedly transferred £750,000 to the disgraced Duke’s personal account, allegedly for Beatrice’s celebration.
“The duke’s personal bank account received a substantial sum from Isbilen, which she claims was intended for the wedding expenses,”
the book notes, highlighting the involvement of figures connected to the royal family’s financial network. These guests, whose presence and contributions remain mysterious, are often tied to the princesses’ parents and their financial strategies over the years.
Gate Ventures and Alleged Misuse of Funds
The inquiry also delves into Dr. Johnny Hon, a Hong Kong tycoon who was a VIP at Eugenie’s nuptials. Hon, who was associated with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, had been appointed to a board position at Gate Ventures, a venture capital firm he chaired. However, tensions arose when Chinese investors contested the company’s financial practices.
“The claims were that the company provided misleading information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a venture founded by the duchess, and that £19 million of the £24 million raised was ‘lost,'”
the book states, raising doubts about the legitimacy of expenses. Hon defended the charges, asserting all costs were “business-related and justified,” despite critics questioning their purpose.
Connections to Other Financial Scandals
Three years after the wedding, the princesses’ parents were linked to a four-day trip to Tunisia, paid for by a Middle Eastern billionaire. The visit included meetings with Colonel Gaddafi, adding to the list of unusual expenditures. This period also saw the Virginia Giuffre settlement trigger renewed interest in the duke’s finances.
Isbilen, who was suing business adviser Selman Turk for £40 million, accused him of misusing funds. She cited a £750,000 transfer to Andrew’s account in 2019 as evidence, claiming it was tied to his role in securing her Turkish passport. Andrew’s office, however, described the payment as a “gift for the wedding,” leaving the intent ambiguous.
Notably, the transfer occurred just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept, which insiders deemed “appalling.” The timing and nature of these transactions have fueled ongoing debates about the transparency of the royal family’s financial arrangements.
