Prince Andrew ‘invited alleged Chinese spy to Buckingham Palace’

Get Your Free Morning Headlines Email!

Join Our Free Morning Headlines Newsletter!

Subscribe To Our Free Morning Headlines Email

I would love to receive emails about promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.

A person accused of being a Chinese spy and who has been prohibited from entering the UK for security reasons is said to have received an invitation to Buckingham Palace from Prince Andrew.

The businessman at the heart of the latest controversy involving the Duke of York reportedly made two visits to the royal home at the request of her son.

The individual believed to be a spy, referred to simply as H6, was also reported to have gained access to St James's Palace and Windsor Castle, according to The Times.

Andrew maintains that he has cut off all communication with the businessman who is alleged to be a Chinese spy since concerns about him were initially brought to light. According to a statement from his office, he encountered this individual through "official channels," and they never talked about anything sensitive.

It has been reported that King Charles has received updates from British security agencies regarding his brother's connection to the suspected spy, who is referred to as a "trusted advisor" of Andrew.

The Duke of York is in the spotlight again for another controversial connection, following his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This relationship resulted in his dismissal from royal responsibilities after a poorly received interview with BBC Newsnight.

Information about his connection with H6 came to light after the entrepreneur's appeal was unsuccessful, resulting in a ruling that prevented him from entering the UK due to concerns about national security.

He filed a case with the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after the former home secretary, Suella Braverman, stated in March 2023 that he should not be allowed to enter the UK.

Judges were informed that H6 had the ability to establish connections between influential individuals in the UK and high-ranking Chinese officials, which could be used to influence politics.

They also mentioned that H6 had minimized his connections with the Chinese government, and when paired with his ties to Andrew, 64, this posed a potential risk to national security.

During a July hearing, the specialist tribunal was informed that the businessman received advice from someone associated with Andrew, suggesting he could represent the duke when engaging with potential investors in China. It was also mentioned that H6 was invited to Andrew's birthday celebration in 2020.

A letter from the advisor, Dominic Hampshire, mentioning the birthday party was found on H6’s devices when he was detained at a port in November 2021.

In a decision made on Thursday, Mr. Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith, and Sir Stewart Eldon rejected the appeal.

This follows reports that the royal family took additional measures over the summer to separate themselves from the disgraced duke. It is said that the King decided to cut off Andrew's £1 million yearly "living allowance" and also stopped funding the private security for Andrew's residence.

Andrew Lownie, currently working on a biography about the Duke and Duchess of York, remarked that the recent news concerning the King’s younger brother could affect the entire family and the "future of the monarchy." He also urged for more openness regarding the finances of the royal family.

He stated, "The true controversies surrounding him primarily involve financial matters rather than sexual ones."

Since he is unable to monitor his actions and grasp the limits of ethical behavior, it is essential to thoroughly examine his finances and establish a public registry of royal interests.

Based on the reactions in online comments on news articles, this situation appears to be quite harmful to the entire royal family. It indicates that their financial dealings and business operations need to be more open and clear.

“It’s also time to lift the exemption in the Freedom of Information Act that applies to them and to allow their wills to be made public.”

"In light of the recent controversies, I believe we are at a crucial juncture for the future of the monarchy."

We have reached out to Buckingham Palace and the Duke of York's office for their remarks.