NADINE DORRIES: Yes, Prince Andrew's shamed the Royal Family - but it feels to me like they're now bullying him
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The King and Queen must have breathed a sigh of relief when they heard. No spectre at the Sandringham feast this year after all! No one to avoid being photographed alongside while walking to church on Christmas Day. Or to dodge when pulling a cracker over dinner.
![[The King and Queen alongside Andrew as the family - including William and Kate - attend church on Christmas Day]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/19/93205881-14198647-image-a-8_1734375756790.jpg)
A sense of shame – or perhaps a few wise, whispered words in his ear from ex-wife Fergie – have persuaded Prince Andrew to stay away from the Christmas gathering of royals. As the Mail reports today, Charles didn't feel able to ban his younger brother outright after the 'Chinese spy' scandal heaped yet more ignominy on his non-existent reputation. But he and Camilla were hoping the Duke of York would do the 'right thing'.
![[Davina McCall looks stunning with blonde hair in a picture released to promote the return of ITV's The Masked Singer next month]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/21/93209335-14198647-Davina_McCall_looks_stunning_with_blonde_hair_in_a_picture_relea-a-8_1734385355374.jpg)
In truth, he had little choice. Since news of his 'close friendship' with a Chinese businessman and alleged spy, Yang Tengbo (aka Chris Yang), the pressure on Andrew to cancel Christmas altogether has intensified. And that includes the private lunch that the King will host at Buckingham Palace this week for close and extended family who don't make the Sandringham cut, plus friends. As I write, the 'assumption' is that his brother will be a no-show.
But demands that he should miss this lunch, too, are surely at odds with the spirit of Christmas. To me, it feels like bullying. What exactly Andrew has done, or how he might have benefited from his association with Mr Yang, is yet to be established. What we do know is that Mr Yang, who denies all the allegations, had authority to act on the Prince's behalf when dealing with potential investors in China.
