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
Controversy over royal wedding funding deepens with new revelations
A new book has uncovered fresh inquiries into the financial arrangements surrounding Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s opulent wedding presents, revealing how their affluent lifestyles may have been supported by unexpected contributors.
Libyan smuggler and Turkish philanthropist linked to royal ceremonies
Historian Andrew Lownie’s work in Entitled highlights the attendance of Tarek Kaituni, a Libyan firearms dealer, at Eugenie’s 2018 nuptials. Kaituni had previously gifted the princess a £18,000 diamond necklace for her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish businesswoman Nebahat Isbilen reportedly transferred £750,000 to the Duke of York’s private account, allegedly for Beatrice’s wedding expenses.
“The payment was made just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace, which sources described as ‘appalling’.”
These high-profile guests and their generous contributions have drawn scrutiny, as their ties to the princesses’ parents raise questions about how the royal family’s daughters maintained their extravagant international travel and social events.
Gate Ventures and financial disputes
In 2018, when Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in a fairy-tale ceremony at Windsor Castle, Dr. Johnny Hon, a Hong Kong entrepreneur, was among the VIP attendees. Hon had a prior connection with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who joined his venture capital firm Gate Ventures as a non-executive director the year before.
However, tensions arose following a legal dispute involving Chinese investors. They accused Gate Ventures of providing misleading information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a company founded by the Duchess of York. According to the court case, £24 million raised from shareholders saw £19 million “lost” in unclear transactions.
Questions over legitimacy of expenses
Media reports later highlighted unusual financial dealings, including a loan to Manuel Fernandez’s enterprise, vVoosh, which the Duchess had invested in. Lownie notes that Sarah Ferguson was hired to assist with overseas expansion, yet the company’s expenses reportedly included £8,000 for a tea meeting with the Duchess of York—raising doubts about the purpose of the funds.
“That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money into the company.”
Despite Hon’s claim that all charges were “for the benefit of Gate and legitimate business expenses,” the arrangement continued to draw criticism. He added, “No part of the spending was for my personal benefit or enjoyment. It was hard, often exhausting, but necessary work.”
Unresolved financial ties persist
Isbilen, who was also suing business advisor Selman Turk for £40 million, alleged that the £750,000 transfer to the Duke was tied to her attempt to secure a Turkish passport. Andrew’s office reportedly stated it was “a gift for the cost of the wedding or a gift to Princess Beatrice,” leaving the exact allocation ambiguous.
The financial connections remain under examination, particularly as the Virginia Giuffre settlement in 2022 intensified interest in the Duke’s economic activities and potential conflicts of interest.