Prince Andrew is facing fresh controversy after it emerged an alleged Chinese spy, who has now been banned from Britain by MI5, was close enough to the royal circle to attend the Duke of York’s birthday party.
The alleged agent, a 50-year-old businessman, had cultivated deep connections within the British Establishment before being barred from the UK on security grounds.
An adviser to the Duke had even boasted to the suspected spy about his privileged position, telling him: “You sit at the top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”
The revelation marks another blow for Prince Andrew, who has already been forced to step back from royal duties following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Prince Andrew is facing fresh controversy after it emerged an alleged Chinese spy, who has now been banned from Britain by MI5, was close enough to the royal circle to attend the Duke of York’s birthday party.
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MI5 discovered the businessman was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and worked for its United Front Work Department, which specialises in intelligence gathering.
The alleged spy had been granted significant access to royal circles, having been authorised to act on the Duke’s behalf to seek investors in China.
The extent of their collaboration became clear when the businessman was tasked with establishing an international financial venture known as the Eurasia Fund.
The initiative was specifically designed to engage with potential partners and investors in China, with Prince Andrew’s explicit authorisation.
An adviser to the Duke had even boasted to the suspected spy about his privileged position, telling him: “You sit at the top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”
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The arrangement highlighted the former UK trade envoy’s continued pursuit of influential business connections, despite previous controversies.
The case has largely been heard behind closed doors, with details only emerging following recent legal proceedings.
The full extent of the connection emerged after the businessman was stopped under counterterrorism laws at a UK border in 2021.
The Duke of York stepped down as a working member of the Royal Family in 2019
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During this stop, authorities downloaded contents from his mobile phone, revealing direct communications about Prince Andrew’s involvement.
The subsequent legal battle has now concluded with immigration judges upholding the ban on the alleged spy entering the UK.
The businessman’s appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission has been rejected, with the decision recently made public.
