Public records of Prince Andrew's engagements and news coverage

Prince Andrew Withdraws from Royal Christmas Amid Ties to Alleged Chinese Spy Yang Tengbo

Dec 19, 2024, 06:47 AM

Prince Andrew has withdrawn from attending the royal family's pre-Christmas lunch and other festive events amid allegations of his ties to an alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo. Yang, a Chinese businessman accused of engaging in espionage activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, reportedly cultivated an 'unusual degree of trust' with the Duke of York. The High Court ruled that Yang engaged in 'covert and deceptive activity' and has barred him from entering the UK on national security grounds. Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove told Sky News that Prince Andrew had been 'seduced' by Yang Tengbo. The scandal has further tarnished Prince Andrew's reputation, leading him to 'honorably withdraw' from family Christmas celebrations. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is expected to spend Christmas with him at their Windsor home, while his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will also not attend the royal family's festivities.