Prince Andrew will not be joining his brother Charles III or other members of the royal family for Christmas this year.
Instead, the 64-year-old Duke of York will “respectfully leave” the royal family's Christmas celebrations at the royal residence in Sandringham, England, to avoid any distractions. BBC.
Andrew is expected to remain at home at Royal Lodge in Windsor Park, the palatial home he has fought to keep after King Charles tried to evict him. is.
Mr Andrew's resignation comes after a UK High Court hearing last week heard evidence suggesting a suspected Chinese spy who was expelled from Britain was an “inner confidant” of the prince.
On Monday, businessman Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, was identified as the alleged Chinese agent after a judge lifted an anonymity order that kept his identity secret.
Yang denied the spying charges leveled against him, saying in a statement: “I have done nothing wrong or illegal and the concerns raised against me by the Ministry of Interior are unfounded.” Ta.
He also said it was “completely false” that he was a spy.
The Chinese national regularly visits the UK and frequently attends events at royal residences, including Prince Andrew's 60th birthday party at the Royal Lodge.
Court documents reveal that Yang reportedly had “unusual trust” in Prince Andrew and was authorized to act on his behalf in business transactions with Chinese investors. It is said that it became.
“Under your guidance, we have found a way to get people in and out of your Windsor home without your knowledge,” said the letter, which is said to have been sent to Mr Yang by one of Prince Andrew's advisers.
The crown prince's office denied the accusations of wrongdoing, insisting that “nothing sensitive” was discussed with the Chinese businessman and that the meeting took place “through official channels.”
Mr Andrew also said he had “cut off all contact” with the suspected spy, who is accused of trying to recruit influential figures in the British establishment as part of an “Elite Capture” operation.
Andrew's stay away from royal holiday gatherings will be particularly emphasized on Christmas Day, when the Windsors will stroll to their annual church morning service, greeting crowds and members of the media along the way.
The moment is considered one of the biggest events in the royal calendar, as the entire royal family rarely gather together in public.
Prince Andrew has reportedly been urged to keep a low profile this Christmas. It is said that there were concerns that Andrew's attendance at Sandringham would overshadow the occasion.
But the Duke won't be alone at Christmas. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, will also join him at Royal Lodge, where she also lives.
However, Prince Andrew's two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will be spending the holidays with their in-laws this year.
