The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, will not join the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
Instead, he is expected to remain in Windsor on Christmas Day to avoid becoming a distraction.
Royal insiders say the prince is likely to “honourably withdraw” from Christmas events, including the family’s public church service, which traditionally draws crowds and significant media attention.
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The decision follows controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s alleged links to Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, who was recently named in a High Court judgment as an alleged Chinese spy.
Mr. Yang, who had previously been referred to in court documents as “H6” under an anonymity order, was banned from entering the UK.
On Monday, Mr. Yang denied the accusations, stating he had “done nothing wrong or unlawful.” Prince Andrew’s office also denied any impropriety, asserting that no sensitive information was ever discussed with Mr. Yang, who is alleged to have sought connections with influential figures in the UK.
Despite these denials, the prince’s association with Mr. Yang has reignited media scrutiny, prompting royal advisors to urge Andrew to step back from family gatherings this year to avoid overshadowing the celebrations.
The absence of Prince Andrew marks a departure from past traditions, as he has usually attended such family occasions, even after stepping back from public duties.
Reports suggest the Prince of Wales mentioned that this year’s royal Christmas dinner would host 45 guests, a number now reduced with Andrew’s decision to stay away.
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Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, is also expected to remain at Royal Lodge in Windsor over Christmas, while their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are believed to be spending the holiday with their in-laws.
Details from the High Court judgment revealed that Mr. Yang, who attended Prince Andrew’s birthday party in 2020, was allegedly granted significant access. A letter from one of the prince’s advisers reportedly noted Mr. Yang’s role in facilitating “unnoticed” entry and exit for individuals at the royal’s Windsor residence.
Mr. Yang has denied all allegations of espionage, calling claims of his involvement as a spy “entirely untrue.”
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