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
Unraveling the Financial Ties Behind the York Sisters’ Opulent Weddings
A recent exposé in *Entitled*, authored by historian Andrew Lownie, has cast new light on the financial arrangements surrounding Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s extravagant wedding presents, fueling renewed debate about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s financial dealings. The book highlights how a convicted Libyan firearms dealer, Tarek Kaituni, was part of Eugenie’s celebration, having gifted her a £18,000 diamond pendant for her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen reportedly funneled £750,000 into the Duke’s personal account, allegedly for Beatrice’s ceremony.
Linking Wealthy Attendees to Royal Finances
The presence of these high-profile guests, coupled with their significant contributions, has raised questions about how the princesses’ extravagant lifestyle was sustained during their formative years. Their parents’ financial activities, including investments and ventures, are frequently cited as potential sources of these funds.
2018 Wedding and the Hong Kong Tycoon
In 2018, Eugenie’s wedding at Windsor Castle featured a roster of VIPs, including Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Ellie Goulding, and Cara Delevigne. Among them was Dr. Johnny Hon, a Hong Kong entrepreneur who had previously worked with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. The connection between Hon and the royal family deepened when Ferguson joined Gate Ventures, a venture capital firm Hon chaired, as a non-executive director.
Controversy Over Gate Ventures’ Finances
Disputes emerged later that year when Chinese investors contested Gate Ventures, claiming it had provided misleading information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a company founded by the Duchess. Of the £24 million raised from shareholders, £19 million was allegedly lost, prompting allegations of lavish spending and irregular transactions with offshore entities. Hon defended his expenses, insisting they were “for the benefit of Gate and legitimate business costs,” despite a judge noting that “tea with the Duchess of York” was not a typical use of investor funds.
Post-Wedding Financial Scrutiny
Three years after the 2018 nuptials, the Duke’s financial ties to figures like Kaituni and Selman Turk were further scrutinized. Turk, a business adviser, reportedly met with Andrew in 2019, shortly after winning an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept. This event, described as “appalling” by insiders, coincided with Isbilen’s lawsuit against Turk for £40 million in misused funds. She argued that £750,000 sent to Andrew’s account that year was tied to her efforts to secure a Turkish passport through the Duke’s assistance.
“I’m not sure it makes much difference, does it? I think it’s a gift for the wedding… What she and her family decide to do with it is really to do with them, isn’t it?”
Andrew’s office allegedly told Isbilen the payment was a wedding gift, though its true purpose remains a subject of speculation. The revelations tie back to broader questions about the Duke’s financial management and the role of associates in funding the royal family’s high-profile events.
