Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Involved in High Court Case Over Funding

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been summoned to give evidence as a witness about acquiring around $1 million to fund his former Swiss ski chalet. This summons marks the first time in over 150 years that a royal has been issued a witness summons. A Turkish woman, Nebahat İşbilen, is suing her financial adviser, Selman Turk, accusing him of mismanaging her finances, which he denies.

A significant aspect of this complex case involves İşbilen claiming Turk advised her to give money to Andrew as payment for facilitating her Turkish passport. Turk disputes this account, suggesting she believed Andrew would use his Turkish contacts to aid her imprisoned husband.

This is very bad news for the Monarchy. Even if Andrew was being paid £750,000 to talk to people in Turkey, that would be a breach of his responsibilities.

The trial, starting in November, will feature Andrew’s testimony in December. Newsweek reached out to Andrew’s legal team for comment.

Significance of the Summons

This event is unprecedented since 1870, where a member of the British royal family has been summoned by a court. If Andrew testifies, he will undergo a public cross-examination under oath. His last public questioning was the 2019 BBC Newsnight interview regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which ended his active royal duties.

Allegations and Legal Context

The case examines the source of Andrew’s money. A High Court judgment reveals İşbilen’s claim that Turk misrepresented a £750,000 payment as necessary for Andrew’s help with her passport, which Turk denies. Instead, he states the payment was unaffiliated with any passport assistance.

Johnson noted that İşbilen and Turk question each other’s reliability as witnesses. The court’s role is to ascertain the facts. In March 2021, İşbilen’s lawyers ensured the funds were returned. Turk alleged discussions with Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at a dinner where a gift for Princess Beatrice and İşbilen’s husband’s case were addressed. Later, İşbilen gave £750,000 despite Andrew indicating no gift was expected.

The court considers claims of a £768,000 loan related to the ski chalet. Initially, İşbilen intended to sue Andrew, but both parties reached a settlement. The agreed facts stated İşbilen had no direct communication with Andrew.

Andrew’s Options and Implications

Andrew may attempt to set aside the summons or replace in-person testimony with a written statement. Allan Maidment, a consultant at MSB Solicitors, noted the expected public interest due to allegations of civil fraud.

Maidment emphasized that Andrew’s former royal status does not exempt him from appearing as a witness. He highlighted the focus on case-specific issues, separating them from other allegations and associations like Epstein.

Potential Testimony Points

According to Judge Johnson, Turk’s attorney intends to question Andrew about various matters, including discussions about İşbilen’s imprisonment, acknowledgments of İşbilen’s gift, and a loan for the Swiss chalet. Questions may also explore what Andrew did concerning Mr. İşbilen’s situation in Turkey and his understanding of İşbilen’s expectations.

The summons, as hailed by Turk’s attorneys, aims to provide a comprehensive evidential view for the court. It is noted as a historic instance since the then Prince of Wales, future Edward VII, was involved in a case in 1870.