Prince Andrew: Will the Duke of York be invited to Christmas following the Chinese spy controversy?

On Friday, December 13, it was reported that a Chinese businessman was accused of being a spy and has now been banned from entering the UK. This has caused issues for Prince Andrew as he was allegedly close with the accused spy.

Due to this latest development, it has been called into question whether or not the Duke of York will take part in the Royal Family’s annual Christmas Day walkabout. Indeed, even though he is no longer a working Royal, Prince Andrew still takes part alongside his family.

King Charles is allegedly in two minds

The Guardian reports that King Charles is still contemplating whether or not his brother, Prince Andrew should take part in the family’s annual Christmas Day walkabout over the Chinese spy situation.

As many know, on Christmas Day, the Royal Family walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene church. This has been a tradition for many years now, but to the public, it is also seen as the family’s stance on certain matters.

For example, when news broke out about Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew’s potential involvement in 2019, he was not invited to walk with the family, but still attended the church service.

Prince Andrew rejoined the ranks in 2022 when King Charles ascended the throne. However, it is still unclear whether he will be allowed to join this year. According to royal author, Craig Prescott, if the Duke of York is excluded it would be ‘would be confirmation that the relationship between the two [Charles and Andrew] had soured’.

He added, as per The Guardian:

That would be a clear sign of Charles, at least, wanting to try and diminish the issue.

Prince Andrew’s statement concerning the accused spy

It is rare for members of the Royal Family to release statements amid scandals and such. However, Prince Andrew has decided to comment on the current situation concerning his relationship with the accused Chinese spy.

During a secret hearing last week, it was claimed that the accused spy was a ‘close confidant’ of Prince Andrew. According to documents, the Chinese businessman was allowed to make financial decisions in the name of the Duke of York.

In response to this information, Prince Andrew released a statement explaining he had ‘ceased all contact’ with the accused spy after receiving government advice, as reported by BBC News. it has been noted that Prince Andrew did not specify when he stopped contact with the Chinese businessman.

His statement read, as per The Guardian:

The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.

Moreover, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the situation, explaining they don’t act for the Duke of York as he is not a working Royal.

Read more:

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King Charles: New claims emerge that he has facilitated Prince Andrew’s stay at Royal Lodge

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Sources used:

The Guardian: ‘All eyes on Prince Andrew after alleged Chinese spy controversy’

BBC News: ‘Prince Andrew says he 'ceased all contact' with alleged Chinese spy’

The Guardian: ‘Prince Andrew says he ‘ceased all contact’ with alleged Chinese spy after government advice’