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

As scrutiny intensifies over the funding of the York sisters’ opulent lifestyles, a new book reveals links to a Libyan firearms dealer and a Turkish businesswoman

A recent investigation into the substantial financial contributions to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s weddings has cast new light on the financial dealings of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, according to a forthcoming publication. Historian Andrew Lownie, in his book *Entitled*, highlights how Tarek Kaituni—a convicted Libyan gun trafficker—was among the attendees at Eugenie’s nuptials in 2018, as well as a recipient of a £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday.

From luxury gifts to offshore transactions

Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen is alleged to have transferred £750,000 to the Duke’s personal bank account, reportedly earmarked for Beatrice’s wedding. The book suggests these lavish gifts are connected to the princesses’ parents and their financial ventures, prompting questions about how their daughters’ extravagant habits were sustained during their early years.

“The Duke’s personal bank account received a significant sum from Isbilen, allegedly tied to the wedding expenses,” Lownie notes. “This raises doubts about the source of funds for the princesses’ high-profile events.”

At Eugenie’s 2018 ceremony, among the elite guests were Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, Ellie Goulding, and Cara Delevingne. A Hong Kong tycoon, Dr. Johnny Hon, was also present, having previously worked with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who had joined his venture capital firm, Gate Ventures, as a non-executive director in 2017.

Disputes emerged shortly after, as Chinese investors filed a lawsuit against Gate Ventures, claiming the company provided false information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a venture backed by the Duchess. Of the £24 million raised from shareholders, £19 million was allegedly lost, according to legal documents. The firm’s finances were further scrutinized due to “unusual transactions” involving offshore entities and deals with its directors.

“The investors argued that the funds were misused, with a judge noting, ‘That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money in to the company.'”

Dr. Hon defended his spending, asserting that all expenses were “legitimate business costs for Gate.” He added, “No part of the spending was for my personal benefit or enjoyment. It was hard, often exhausting, but necessary work,” despite charges of £3 million in expenses, including a £8,000 meeting with the Duchess of York.

Controversial connections and lingering questions

Kaituni, who had known Andrew since 2005, also held meetings with the Duke, linking him to broader financial networks. This came under renewed focus in 2022, following the Virginia Giuffre settlement, which reignited debates about the Duke’s financial transparency. Isbilen, who was suing Turk for £40 million, claimed part of the £750,000 payment to Andrew’s account was used to secure a Turkish passport through Turk’s influence.

“Andrew’s office told Isbilen the funds were a wedding gift for Beatrice, adding, ‘What she and her family decide to do with it is really to do with them, isn’t it?'”

The £750,000 transfer occurred just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept. Sources described the event as “appalling,” questioning how such a significant sum was connected to the Duke’s personal finances. These revelations continue to fuel speculation about the intertwined financial interests of the royal family and their associates.