Prince Andrew still set to join Royal Family on Christmas Day despite Chinese spy row

Prince Andrew is still set to join the Royal Family at Sandringham for their Christmas Day celebration – despite the Chinese spy scandal.

The Duke of York, 64, had a suspected Chinese spy as a “close confidant” and trusted business adviser, it emerged last week. He has reportedly been ordered to “uninvite himself” from a pre-Christmas bash at Buckingham Palace this week to spare The Firm further embarrassment.

And King Charles is said to be “face a conundrum” about his brother’s presence at Sandringham for the traditional Christmas Day celebrations. The monarch is understood to be reticent to “ban” Andrew from the festivities on December 25, though the Duke of York’s presence alongside his closest relatives as they walk to church is feared to resurface the Chinese spy row.

“He (King Charles) is desperately hoping the Duke of York will ‘do the decent thing’ and ‘recuse’ himself from joining them at Sandringham to spare the rest of the Royal Family further embarrassment,” a royal reporter wrote today.

Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with the accused businessman when concerns were first raised about him in a statement from his office on Friday. However, questions were raised across national media on Sunday whether the row is an embarrassment for the UK.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described alleged activities carried out by Beijing in the UK were “deeply concerning” and need “looking at very carefully”. The 48-year-old politician urged everyone in public life, academia and business to be “alert” to the risks of infiltration.