Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to give evidence next month in a High Court fraud trial, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to be legally compelled to testify in court since 1891.
The former prince will appear as a witness in a case brought by Turkish heiress Nebahat Isbilen against businessman Selman Turk, her former adviser. The dispute centres on a £750,000 payment made to Andrew in 2019, which was later repaid. Andrew is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Ruling Allows Witness Summons
A High Court judge ruled in October that the former duke could be called to give evidence in the trial. Mr Justice Adam Johnson said "fairness requires" allowing Mr Turk to present his case "using the evidence he considers relevant and material." He added it was "highly unlikely" Andrew would "wish voluntarily to provide a witness statement and give evidence," meaning a summons "will likely" be needed.
The former prince is now expected to give evidence on December 14 after being issued with a witness summons. A summons requires a witness to attend court, although Andrew could appear by video-link. Witnesses can also be forced to hand over documents, with court rules stating a witness "must be offered or paid a sum reasonably sufficient to cover his expenses in travelling to and from the court."
Fraud Allegations and Defence
Mrs Isbilen alleges Mr Turk misled her over the £750,000 payment to Andrew. Mr Turk denies dishonesty and requested permission to call Andrew to give evidence at the 11-week trial due to begin later this month.
Lawyers for Mrs Isbilen previously told the High Court that tens of millions of her funds had been misappropriated, with Mr Turk failing to explain where the money had gone. They also said "money was used for purposes unconnected with Mrs Isbilen, eg, substantial sums were paid to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and to Sarah, Duchess of York."
In last month's ruling, Mr Justice Adam Johnson said it "has long been Mr Turk's case" that the £750,000 payment was made of Mrs Isbilen's own accord, as she thought Andrew could help with her husband, who she claims has been the victim of political persecution in Turkey. The court heard in 2023 that there was a "settlement" between Mrs Isbilen and the then-Duke and Duchess of York. Mr Justice Adam Johnson said the evidence is "limited in scope."
