A Royal expert has suggested that Prince Andrew is likely to be "extremely upset" following reports that he won't be joining the rest of the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas festivities at Sandringham. This comes after he confirmed that he had "ceased all contact" with a businessman accused of being a Chinese spy.
According to a statement from his office, the Prince cut ties as soon as concerns were raised. It stated that Prince Andrew met the individual through official channels and that "nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed". The businessman in question has denied being a spy and insists he's "done nothing wrong or unlawful".
Speaking to OK! Magazine, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond described the recent headlines as "another embarrassing row" involving the royal, suggesting that King Charles would have "hated" having to uninvite him from the Sandringham gathering.
“Andrew would have had to be living on another planet to be unaware of the furore surrounding his association with an alleged spy. Just as the year is set to end on a high for the Royal Family - with the King and Princess of Wales greeting the crowds on Christmas Day - along comes another embarrassing row involving the Duke of York,” Jennie said.
“The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother: he would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get together. It seems quite likely that Andrew sat down with Fergie, and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution. Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised that his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which - this year of all years - should be all about the King and Catherine.”.
