Skip To...
Prince Andrew may not be publicly appearing this festive season amid his super-sensitive scandal. King Charles‘ brother is reportedly involved in a controversy involving a Chinese spy infiltrating the British government. The Duke of York has been advised to voluntarily withdraw from public events to avoid an order from the King.
Prince Andrew is currently in a dilemma of listening to his counsel’s advice or raising eyebrows. Sources close to the palace explain that the King is also in a delicate position over the matter. King Charles had shown support to Andrew and his family over the years by inviting them to public functions. The ball now lies entirely in Andrew’s court, as The Times gathered from an insider who says:
“He should do the decent thing and voluntarily withdraw from public view over Christmas.”
There are reportedly two gatherings with the extended family on Thursday, December 19, and the other on Christmas Day. The royals will parade to and from St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Andrew may not get to participate in any of the events in light of his current reputation.
Prince Andrew and the Alleged Spy Deny Reports of Any Illegal Involvement With Each Other
The Chinese spy, identified as a 50-year-old named Yang Tengbo, had his anonymity lifted by a judge. Yang had allegedly maintained an “unusual degree of trust” with Prince Andrew. A tribunal hearing revealed that Yang was previously authorized to act on Andrew’s behalf during meetings with Chinese investors.
The alleged spy also graced the occasion of Andrew’s 60th birthday party in 2020. However Yang has come to clear his name, stating the allegations of espionage were untrue. He described the claims against him as “entirely untrue,” reiterating that he has done “nothing wrong or unlawful.” Yang noted that he moved to have his anonymity lifted to deny the claims publicly.
Andrew’s office also clarified last week in a statement that he ended his relationship with Yang upon government advice. The office insists their interactions were through “official channels” void of sensitive information. The Duke was also missing from church on Christmas Day in 2019 in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. After his interview with the BBC about his relationship with Epstein, he stepped back from public duties.
Sarah Ferguson Caught in the Middle of King Charles and Prince Andrew’s Feud
The Epstein scandal left a lasting impact on Charles and Andrew’s financial and personal relationship. We reported that the King was displeased at how Andrew handled the scandal and abuse allegations. The Duke was accused of sex crimes by an alleged victim, Virginia Giuffre, and eventually settled out of court. His decision soon backfired as the public took it as an admission of guilt, further tainting his image.
The Duke swiftly stepped down as a working royal to salvage the situation. Andrew’s ex, Sarah Ferguson, also chose to pick her former husband’s side when things became rough. Since the scandal, King Charles has also attempted to evict his brother from the Royal Lodge, but Andrew resisted. His efforts to remain in the residence placed his ex-wife and two daughters in a dicey situation.
According to insiders, Ferguson has been trying to play “Switzerland between Andrew and his family” for years. Her decision to support her ex-husband has also exposed her to frequent attacks from the press. Andrew’s alleged constant need to rely on Ferguson has also become a burden on her and her daughters. Due to outcasting Andrew from events, and family celebrations, Ferguson also gets to watch things from the outside.
Will Prince Andrew be able to turn the tumulous year around?
