London – A High Court judge has granted a summons for Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, to testify in a civil fraud lawsuit. The case, filed by Turkish national Nebahat Evyap Isbilen, alleges that her former adviser Selman Turk misappropriated tens of millions of pounds and arranged a £750,000 payment to Mountbatten‑Windsor in 2019.
Background of the lawsuit
Isbilen claims Turk misled her into making the payment, hoping the prince could use his royal connections to assist her husband, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 2015 and claims political persecution. The payment was repaid by Mountbatten‑Windsor in 2021, and he is not a party to the suit.
Historical significance
Legal experts note this is believed to be the first time since 1870 that a member of the British royal family has been served with a witness summons. In that earlier case, the future King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, was called to testify in a divorce proceeding and denied any improper relationship with the plaintiff’s wife.
Potential challenges
Mountbatten‑Windsor may apply to have the summons set aside, so there is no guarantee he will appear in court. The outcome will depend on whether the court upholds the order.
Ongoing investigations
Separate from this civil case, several British police forces continue to investigate Mountbatten‑Windsor’s connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Those inquiries began after the U.S. Department of Justice released extensive documents related to Epstein earlier this year.
Royal family response
King Charles III stripped his brother of the princely title in late 2025 in an effort to protect the monarchy from further scandal. The royal household has not commented on the current summons.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
