Prince Andrew pulls out of pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace amid Chinese 'spy' scandal: Duke of York will not join Royal Family after speaking to ex-wife Sarah Ferguson who 'advised him not to attend'
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The Duke of York has pulled out of tomorrow's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, MailOnline can reveal. After speaking to his ex-wife the Duchess of York, Prince Andrew has decided not to join 70 members of the Royal Family at the palace. The Duke's decision will be a relief to his brother King Charles III amid the ongoing furore over Andrew's relationship with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
![[Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York attend a thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on February 27, 2024]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/12/93196727-0-Prince_Andrew_and_Sarah_Duchess_of_York_attend_a_thanksgiving_se-a-5_1734524027714.jpg)
It had been claimed Andrew was insisting on going to the lunch, telling friends 'he should be there', and that as it's a family occasion, 'why shouldn't he go?'. And even as of last night, royal officials were still in the dark over his plans. But MailOnline understands Sarah has now persuaded him not to attend.
![[Prince Andrew is accompanied by his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York at the annual royal outing to the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2023]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/12/93197321-0-Prince_Andrew_is_accompanied_by_his_ex_wife_Sarah_Duchess_of_Yor-a-4_1734524024972.jpg)
It comes after Andrew also agreed not to attend the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham next week. Royal aides couldn't hide their relief on Monday after it was revealed the Duke had decided to 'do the decent thing' and spare the King's blushes by pulling out of the official festive celebrations and the walk to church.
![[Andrew with Edward at the Christmas church service in Sandringham on December 25, 2023]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/12/93196843-0-Andrew_with_Edward_at_the_Christmas_church_service_in_Sandringha-a-6_1734524030814.jpg)
However, each year the monarch also invites his large extended family – aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, husbands and wives – who don't make the cut to Sandringham, to meet up for a big festive meal in London. Prince Andrew is seen driving from Royal Lodge in Windsor this morning.
![[Alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who forged links with the Duke of York]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/12/93195945-0-Alleged_Chinese_spy_Yang_Tengbo_who_forged_links_with_the_Duke_o-a-7_1734524034180.jpg)
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