Prince Andrew is once again at the center of controversy, and this time, it could be the final straw. The Duke of York’s name has been splashed across headlines following revelations that he had close ties to Yang Tengbo, a businessman suspected of being a Chinese spy. Yang, who was even invited to Andrew’s 60th birthday party, has been banned from returning to the U.K. after investigations revealed suspicious communications that raised national security concerns. Police stopped Yang at the U.K. border in 2021, seizing his devices, which reportedly contained evidence of his efforts to influence the Chinese government.
Royal expert Phil Dampier has weighed in, expressing concern that Andrew’s association with Yang is a serious security breach, one that could spell the end for his royal standing. Dampier noted that Yang’s close proximity to Andrew, especially at the Royal Lodge, poses risks to national security. This scandal is especially damaging given Andrew’s history of controversies.
Andrew’s royal reputation has been in tatters for years, largely due to his links to the infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The highly publicized photos and accusations against him, including allegations from Virginia Giuffre, painted a troubling picture of Andrew’s involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking operations. Though Andrew denied the claims, his disastrous BBC interview in 2019 only made things worse, leading to his quiet retirement from royal duties.
Adding to his woes, Andrew has clashed with his brother, King Charles III, over his refusal to vacate the Royal Lodge despite no longer receiving financial support from the monarchy. Now, with the spy scandal, King Charles may be less forgiving. Public opinion of Andrew is at an all-time low, and this latest scandal could be the tipping point that finally results in his permanent removal from royal life.
Even Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife who has stood by him for decades, seems to be distancing herself. With everything piling up, it seems Prince Andrew’s days in the royal family could be numbered.