The 87-year-old Sir Frederick Barclay, who formerly owned The Ritz hotel, is being sued by his ex-wife for failing to fulfill their substantial divorce settlement obligations.
Following the dissolution of their 34-year marriage, Sir Frederick was required to provide Lady Hiroko, 79, two lump sum payments totaling £50 million.
Although she insisted at the High Court that he did have the means to pay, he claims he doesn’t have the money.
In a written declaration, she stated that the judge, Sir Jonathan Cohen, “has no respect for me or the court.”
‘His aim is simply to string things out, hiding behind a web of complex structures (the initial purpose behind which was the avoidance of tax), allowing our daughter Amanda to fund all his financial needs, until one or other of us dies.’
One of the most prominent businessmen in the UK, Sir Frederick and his twin brother Sir David had ties to the Channel Islands, Monaco, and the Telegraph Media Group among other things.
Last year in January, Sir David passed away.
The judge criticized Sir Frederick, noting that when he sold a luxurious yacht and used the proceeds for his own benefit, he acted in a repugnant manner.
