Prince Andrew will not join the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year. The Duke of York is expected to “honorably withdraw” from all Royal Family events during the Christmas period to avoid being a distraction. Instead, he will reportedly spend Christmas Day quietly at his home in Windsor.
This decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged links to a Chinese businessman named in a High Court ruling. The businessman, Yang Tengbo—also known as Chris Yang—had been previously banned from entering the UK due to national security concerns.
What Are the Spy Allegations and the Legal Battle Involving Prince Andrew?
In a statement, Yang denied any wrongdoing and firmly rejected accusations of being a spy. “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful,” he stated. Despite his denial, his alleged connection to Prince Andrew remains a contention. The Duke’s office has said that no sensitive matters have ever been discussed between him and Yang, who is accused of trying to infiltrate Western institutions to further Chinese influence.
However, the controversy surrounding the prince’s links to Yang, described in court documents as having an “unusual degree of trust” with Prince Andrew, continues to make headlines. The matter became more prominent when a judge ruled that Yang could be named publicly. This legal decision followed an earlier ruling that Yang had been involved in an operation to exert influence on political figures.
Why Is Prince Andrew Changing His Christmas Plans?
Prince Andrew’s absence from the Sandringham Christmas gathering marks a significant departure from previous years. Although the prince is no longer a working royal and has returned from public life, he had traditionally been part of the Royal Family’s holiday celebrations. The Christmas Day church service at Sandringham is a significant event in the royal calendar, with the family appearing together before large crowds and photographers.
Sources suggest that Prince Andrew was privately advised to avoid attending the Christmas gathering to prevent his presence from becoming the focus of media attention. “There were concerns that his presence could overshadow the occasion,” a royal insider explained. “It was felt that it would be in everyone’s best interest for the prince to maintain a low profile.”
In a statement, Yang denied any wrongdoing and firmly rejected accusations of being a spy. “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful,” he stated. Despite his denial, his alleged connection to Prince Andrew remains a contention. The Duke’s office has said that no sensitive matters have ever been discussed between him and Yang, who is accused of trying to infiltrate Western institutions to further Chinese influence.
However, the controversy surrounding the prince’s links to Yang, described in court documents as having an “unusual degree of trust” with Prince Andrew, continues to make headlines. The matter became more prominent when a judge ruled that Yang could be named publicly. This legal decision followed an earlier ruling that Yang had been involved in an operation to exert influence on political figures.
Who Will Attend the Royal Family's Christmas Gatherings and What Are the Plans?
The Duke of York’s absence will leave a gap in the royal holiday gathering, although his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is expected to remain at the Royal Lodge in Windsor for Christmas. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have reportedly planned to spend the holiday with their respective in-laws this year.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, recently shared that their royal Christmas dinner would host around 45 guests, but with Prince Andrew’s absence, the number is expected to drop to 43.
What Are the Legal Struggles and National Security Concerns Surrounding Mr. Yang?
The Chinese businessman at the center of the controversy, Yang Tengbo, had been known in court documents as “H6” due to an anonymity order that initially protected his identity. However, last week’s ruling that allowed his name to be made public has further intensified the scrutiny of his relationship with Prince Andrew.
Yang, who had attended Prince Andrew’s birthday party in 2020, was reportedly granted access to the Duke’s inner circle and was told he could act on his behalf when dealing with potential investors in China. According to a letter from one of Prince Andrew’s advisers, Yang was even instructed on how to discreetly bring people in and out of the royal residence in Windsor: “Under your guidance, we found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor.”
Yang’s legal troubles have also extended to the UK’s national security apparatus. The UK’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) recently upheld a decision to bar him from entering the country. The decision was based on suspicions that Yang was involved in an “elite capture” operation, a tactic allegedly employed by the Chinese government to infiltrate and influence Western institutions.
How Has Prince Andrew Responded to the Allegations and Distance Himself from Yang?
Despite the ongoing media storm, Prince Andrew has consistently denied improper behavior in his dealings with Mr. Yang. “I have ceased all contact with Mr. Yang,” the prince said in a statement. “All meetings were through official channels, and nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed.”
Nonetheless, with the public interest in his connections to Yang and the ongoing legal battles, Prince Andrew’s decision to withdraw from the royal Christmas festivities reflects a growing desire to avoid further distraction from his family’s holiday celebrations.
