In what is certainly not the first time Prince Andrew has caused problems for the royal family, he has come under fire for befriending an alleged Chinese spy. Prince Andrew claimed that he cut ties with a Chinese businessman known as H6 after concerns were brought to his attention. However, King Charles is reportedly losing patience with his brother.
Per the Associated Press, the reason the businessman now identified as Yang Tengbo, can no longer enter the country is because of national security concerns.
Officials said the businessman “was in a position to generate relationships between senior Chinese officials and prominent UK figures which could be leveraged for political interference purposes by the Chinese State.” However, the businessman has said that he’s “done nothing wrong or unlawful,” according to the news outlet.
Though the businessman was identified as a potential threat, Prince Andrew claimed in his statement that he “met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.”
“The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised,” the statement read, per Independent.
At the same time, when they did have a relationship with each other, their relationship seemed rather close. According to AP, Prince Andrew invited the alleged spy to his birthday party.
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A source told the Mirror that “the King has been briefed about this situation regarding the suspected Chinese spy and is very aware of what has been and what is being done about it.” It’s not the first time Charles’ younger brother has come under fire for his controversial friendships. His connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has also caused problems.
Though Andrew isn’t a working royal, his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy is still embarrassing for the royal family, per BBC. Sources told the news outlet Andrew will not join the rest of the family in Sandringham for Christmas this year. Instead, he will most likely stay at home to avoid attracting too much negative attention during the royals’ public appearance.
The BBC reported Andrew is expected to “honorably withdraw,” but others believe Charles might disinvite him from the family Christmas.
“His Majesty’s patience is wearing thin,” a royal source told the Daily Beast. “He has stood by Andrew for many years, but everyone has their limits. I can’t see the king wanting to walk to church with someone who was friends with a Chinese spy.”
