Prince Andrew urged to 'uninvite himself' from Royal Christmas after Chinese spy row
Prince Andrew has been encouraged to “uninvite himself” from the royals’ pre-Christmas celebration, according to reports. The Duke of York, 64, is among more than 50 members of the Royal Family expected to attend a festive meal at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, 19 December.
However, sources have claimed that Prince Andrew is “under pressure to step away” from the event and that he should do “the gentlemanly thing” and skip the family lunch. It comes after he confirmed earlier this month that he’d "ceased all contact" with a businessman, known only as H6, who is accused of being a Chinese spy.
It is alleged that the Duke of York’s attendance at the meal could lead to fresh embarrassment for the royals. He is also being urged to avoid being seen joining fellow members of the Royal Family on Christmas Day as they make their annual visit to the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate.
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According to reports, Prince Andrew’s invite to the pre-Christmas lunch is set to be untenable and courtiers have encouraged him not to force King Charles’ hand in barring him. “There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the King would not relish making his brother squirm,” a source told The Sun.
"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."
Meanwhile Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine added that the Prince should “decline both invites” to avoid “embarrassing” the monarch. “Andrew should take it on himself and decline both invites. It would be the gentlemanly thing to do so he isn't embarrassing the King. But Andrew is pretty thick-skinned and maybe we have to rely on the influence of Fergie,” she said. OK! has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
It comes after it was revealed that Prince Andrew "ceased all contact" with a businessman who is accused of being a Chinese spy. According to a statement from his 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".
