Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be called to give evidence in fraud trial, judge rules

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be called to give evidence in a High Court trial regarding fraud allegations against a Turkish businessman, a judge has ruled.

Businessman Selman Turk is facing legal action from fellow Turkish national Nebahat Isbilen, with a full trial in London expected to begin in November.

Ms Isbilen claims that Mr Turk, who previously acted as her adviser, misled her concerning a £750,000 payment made to the then-duke in 2019, which was later refunded.

Mr Turk denies dishonesty and made a legal bid to be permitted to call Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence during the court proceedings.

Delivering a judgment on Friday, Mr Justice Adam Johnson agreed with the request, allowing Mr Turk to rely upon a witness summary and giving him permission to seek evidence from Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

He said: “Given the seriousness of the allegations, both on their own terms and in light of their wider impact, fairness requires that Mr Turk should be afforded an opportunity of putting forward his own case, using the evidence he considers relevant and material.”

The judge later said that his decision only meant Mr Turk could call evidence from the former duke, and that a witness summons “will likely” be needed to compel him to give evidence.

More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent