Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson 'won't join royals at Sandringham for Christmas' amid 'Chinese spy' scandal
Andrew is usually seen with the royals on Christmas DayPrince Andrew and ex Sarah Ferguson reportedly won’t join the royal family at Sandringham for Christmas this year amid the ‘Chinese spy’ scandal.
It comes amid reports on the Duke of York’s association with an alleged Chinese spy. Yang Tengbo was publicly named for the first time on Monday after High Court restrictions lifted.
Mr Yang, previously known only as H6, was described as a “close confidant” of Prince Andrew. He has insisted that “widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue”.
Prince Andrew associated with ‘Chinese spy’
Mr Yang was banned from the UK in 2023 on national security grounds. It came after the Home Office said he was considered to have engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
However, Mr Yang appealed the decision and insisted it was unlawful for him to be barred from the UK.
Andrew has been making headlines amid the story over his alleged association with Mr Yang.
Last Friday, Prince Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with the Chinese businessman following “advice” from officials.
He also insisted they never discussed anything of a “sensitive nature”.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson ‘won’t join’ royals at Sandringham for Christmas
Now, reports claim that the Duke and Duchess of York won’t join the royal family at Sandringham this Christmas.
Last year, Andrew attended a church service on Christmas Day with members of the monarchy.
His ex-wife Sarah also joined the family for the service.
There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the king would not relish making his brother squirm.
However, now, reports claim that the former couple won’t be at Sandringham this year. According to the MailOnline, they will spend Christmas this year at their home, Royal Lodge.
The publication also claimed that King Charles hoped his brother Andrew would “do the decent thing” and not attend Sandringham at Christmas.
Elsewhere, a source spoke to The Sun about Andrew attending the festive celebrations with the monarchy.
The royal family usually attend a church service on Christmas Day before embarking on a public walkabout to meet locals.
An insider told the publication amid the latest scandal surrounding Andrew: “There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the king would not relish making his brother squirm.
“Andrew has managed the unthinkable and made a complete [bleep] of himself even before the Christmas party. It’s been a hell of a year for The Firm and the last thing they want is this scandal dragging on during a period of celebration.”
They added: “The thinking is he’s been foolish, but the more he keeps his head down the sooner everyone can move on.”
Meanwhile, royal expert Ingrid Seward added: “Andrew should take it on himself and decline both invites. It would be the gentlemanly thing to do so he isn’t embarrassing the king.”
ED! has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
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