Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, confirmed that he “ceased all contact” with a businessman accused of being a Chinese spy after concerns about the individual were brought to his attention.
According to a statement from his office, the Duke met the individual, identified only as H6, through “official channels,” and no sensitive matters were ever discussed.
The controversy follows a tribunal ruling that upheld a decision to ban H6 from entering the UK on national security grounds. H6 had appealed the ban imposed in March 2023 by then-home secretary Suella Braverman, but judges dismissed the challenge, citing his potential threat to national security.
According to DailyMail, H6 was described as a “close confidante” of the Duke, which heightened concerns about political interference by the Chinese state.
Allegations of espionage and exploitation
The tribunal revealed that H6 had allegedly downplayed his links with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and was reportedly in a position to leverage relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials.
Judges noted this could facilitate political interference. Documents also indicated that H6 had acted on Prince Andrew’s behalf to seek Chinese investors and had attended the Duke’s birthday party in 2020.
A letter from Dominic Hampshire, an adviser to Prince Andrew, was discovered during a border search of H6’s devices in 2021. The letter referred to H6 as being at “the very top of a tree that many people would like to be on” and mentioned discreet arrangements for meetings at the Duke’s Windsor residence.
As per CNN, H6’s activities were considered covert and deceptive, aligning with the objectives of the United Front Work Department, a Chinese organisation associated with intelligence operations.
Judge Charles Bourne stated that the pressures on Prince Andrew during this period could have made him “vulnerable to the misuse of influence.”
British intelligence has reportedly briefed King Charles about the situation, with counter-intelligence officers investigating how H6 gained the Duke’s trust. A royal source told The Mirror that the King was “very aware” of the issue and the measures being taken to address it.
Prince Andrew’s office stated that he followed government advice to cut ties with H6 once concerns were raised. The Duke has refrained from commenting further, citing the sensitivity of national security matters.
History of controversies
This latest development adds to the Duke’s troubled history, including his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his withdrawal from public duties in 2019. In 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and royal patronages, effectively removing him from royal life.
As per AFP, former UK security minister Tom Tugendhat called the situation “extremely embarrassing,” highlighting the vulnerability such relationships pose to national security. Despite these concerns, the Duke’s representatives maintain that his interactions with H6 were conducted within official frameworks.