Prince Andrew’s Christmas plans have seemingly been thrown in disarray as pressure mounts over his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy.
The Chinese businessman accused of being a spy was reportedly invited to three royal palaces by the Duke of York himself. The man, referred to only as H6, was later banned from the UK on national security grounds.
According to The Times, H6 visited Buckingham Palace twice and also entered St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle. All of these visits are believed to be at the invitation of Andrew – and are now under scrutiny.
Andrew’s latest headache was exposed after the alleged Chinese spy lost his appeal last week against being barred from the UK. The man brought the case after being banned in March 2023 on national security grounds despite having become a close contact of the Duke of York.
Judges heard H6 formed a close working relationship with Prince Andrew, receiving an invite to his birthday party in 2020 and being told he could act on his behalf. Professor Rana Mitter, an expert in Chinese politics, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “This isn’t about espionage in the traditional sense but about influence. Building relationships with elites can have long-term strategic value.”
Prince Andrew is believed to have met H6 through official channels. His office has stated: “Nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed.” He was described as a “close confidant” in correspondence uncovered during a security investigation.
