Prince Andrew’s link to Chinese ‘spy is most damaging nightmare for royals yet’

Prince Andrew’s latest controversy has been the most damaging to the monarchy – and King Charles can have nothing to do with it, according to an expert.

It has emerged that the disgraced Duke of York became a ‘close’ confidant of the alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who reportedly gained access to Buckingham Palace as well as Andrew’s Royal Lodge home. And with Christmas just days away, it has emerged he has decided to stay away from the public celebrations at Sandringham and instead stay at Royal Lodge for the festive season.

Although he stepped down from public life after his car crash BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew has still joined his relatives for the traditional public walk to church on Christmas morning at Sandringham.

But according to royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, nothing has been as damaging to the monarchy as this latest saga regarding Andrew – amid his decision not to embarrass the King any longer by staying away. She told the Mirror: “The Duke of York’s close links to the alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo have come at a most inopportune moment. Christmas for the royals is the only time in the year so many of them get together under one roof.

“The multiple scandals he has been associated with have embarrassed his family and made him a subject of ridicule. Although when the Queen was alive, he was partially protected by her devotion.

“His irresponsible behaviour and dubious friendships have exasperated his older brother for some time now. But nothing has been quite as damaging to the monarchy as Andrew’s current situation. It involves the British government, MI6 and the Chinese government. It’s almost like a television spy special.”