Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson pull out of Christmas with royal family amid alleged spy case
Prince Andrew has reportedly been advised to skip the Royal family's iconic Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year amid fresh controversies linked to his name. Following reports around his association with the alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, now barred from the UK, Prince Andrew finds himself out of what was expected to be one of the grandest festive reunions on his brother King Charles III's estate in Norfolk - where 45 royals were anticipated to revel in Christmas Day festivities there.
In a new twist revealed in a recent High Court judgment, it emerged that the alleged spy was considered "close" to the Duke of York. Adding to the intrigue, Sarah, Duchess of York and Andrew's former spouse, is also set to bypass the Sandringham celebrations – viewed by many as a gesture of support for her ex-partner.
The estranged pair appear to have alternative plans, gearing up to spend the holiday at Royal Lodge, their shared abode nestled in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire. While it remains uncertain whether Andrew will join the pre-Christmas luncheon hosted by Charles at Buckingham Palace, sources reveal Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie had already decided to enjoy their first yuletide period with their young families and in-laws.
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The news comes as Andrew has been embroiled in an investigation into an alleged Chinse Spy, with the royal confirming earlier this month that he’d "ceased all contact" with a businessman named Yang, also known as H6, who is accused of being a Chinese spy. According to a statement from Andrew's office, this happened as soon as concerns were raised. The Duke of York had met the individual through "official channels" and there was "nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed".
Mr Yang said it was “entirely untrue” to claim he was involved in espionage and said he was a victim of a “political climate” which had seen a rise in tensions between the UK and China. Mr Yang – also known as Christopher Yang – was said to be a 'close confident' of Andrew and was the founder-partner of Pitch@Palace China. The Pitch@Palace initiative was the Duke of York’s scheme to support entrepreneurs.
Following the revelation of Andrew's link to an alleged spy, a source told The Sun earlier today that The King advised him not to attend Sandringham. “There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the King would not relish making his brother squirm,” they said. "Andrew has managed the unthinkable and made a complete t*t of himself even before the Christmas party. It's been a hell of a year for The Firm and the last thing they want is this scandal dragging on during a period of celebration. The thinking is he's been foolish, but the more he keeps his head down the sooner everyone can move on."
