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
Investigations into Royal Wedding Funds Uncover Financial Ties
A new book has shed light on the generous, six-figure contributions to Princess Eugenie and Beatrice’s weddings, reigniting debates about the financial connections of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Historian Andrew Lownie’s work in *Entitled* highlights how these gifts may have been tied to the Duke’s personal finances, sparking questions about the source of the princesses’ extravagant spending habits.
Guests and Gifts Linked to Royal Family’s Financial Networks
Among the attendees at Eugenie’s 2018 nuptials was Tarek Kaituni, a former Libyan gun smuggler, who had also gifted the princess an £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen allegedly transferred £750,000 into Andrew’s private account, purportedly for Beatrice’s ceremony. These acts have fueled speculation about how the royal sisters’ opulent lifestyles were supported throughout their upbringing.
“She and her family decide to do with it is really to do with them, isn’t it?”
Andrew’s office reportedly told Isbilen, framing the payment as a gift to the princesses. However, the timing and amount of the transfer have raised eyebrows, especially following the 2022 Virginia Giuffre settlement, which brought fresh scrutiny to the Duke’s financial dealings.
Gate Ventures and the Controversial Loan Disputes
In 2018, the Duke’s wedding at Windsor Castle included a Hong Kong tycoon, Dr. Johnny Hon, who had prior ties to Sarah Ferguson. A year earlier, Sarah had joined Gate Ventures as a non-executive director, a venture led by Hon. This partnership soured when Chinese investors challenged the company, alleging misleading information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a business founded by the Duchess. Of the £24 million raised, £19 million was claimed to have vanished.
“That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money in to the company.”
Media reports later accused Gate Ventures of lavish spending and unusual transactions with offshore entities. Hon defended these expenses, stating they were “for the benefit of Gate and legitimate business costs.” Yet, his £3 million in charges, including a £8,000 tea meeting with the Duchess of York, left critics questioning the financial rationale.
Connections to Libyan Smuggler and Turkish Millionairess
Tarek Kaituni, known to Andrew since 2005, and business adviser Selman Turk were said to have met with the ex-Duke, deepening concerns over his financial networks. Turk, who was facing a £40 million lawsuit from Isbilen, claimed the £750,000 transfer was to help her obtain a Turkish passport. This came just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept, a move described as “appalling” by insiders.
Financial Enigma and Unanswered Questions
The involvement of these figures, along with the mysterious funding sources, has cast a shadow over the royal family’s financial transparency. As the Duke’s past dealings continue to draw attention, the story of his lavish wedding gifts and associated transactions remains a focal point for those questioning his fiscal stewardship.
