A ‘Chinese spy’ has accessed Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle at the invitation of Prince Andrew, it has been alleged.
The 50-year-old businessman was previously not known to be a security risk and was later barred from entering the UK in 2021 on counterterrorism laws. The businessman, it was revealed in a hearing on Thursday, December 12, recently attempted and failed to have the ban lifted. The apparent spy is also believed to have met George Osborne, the former chancellor.
Prince Andrew subsequently ceased all contact with the man after concerns were brought to his attention, and the King has also been briefed about his brother’s connections to the alleged spy. The duke of York’s office has stated that nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed with the Chinese man and that the Prince’s links with China go way back to when he was trade envoy.
Spy invited to Buckingham Palace by Prince Andrew
The alleged spy is said to have been in the possession of a letter of invitation to Andrew’s birthday party in 2021, as well as some other big events at royal residences.
His identity has not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to be revealed within a few days. Andrew used to be an honorary member of the 48 Group Club, a pro-China business lobbying group.
MI5 discovered that the businessman was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and working for its United Front Work Department, and found to be gathering intelligence. In 2009, Andrew’s expenses suddenly rose to £154,000 for 12 foreign trips, up £11,000 from the previous year. He was forced to step down from his special representative role amid controversies and criticism over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender.
In 2011, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would no longer serve as an official trade envoy for the Department of Trade and Industry due to the scandal. But, on this occasion, they have refused to comment on the subject.
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