Prince Andrew will reportedly not attend King Charles’ pre-Christmas lunch, as new allegations linking him to a suspected Chinese spy have reignited controversy. The Duke of York is once again at the center of a storm after details of his association with the alleged spy surfaced online.
Earlier, Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, declined the royal family’s invitation to spend Christmas at Sandringham, opting out of the traditional festivities alongside other members of the monarchy. This latest decision to skip the pre-Christmas lunch appears to be a strategic move. Sources suggest that Ferguson believes avoiding the gathering will shield King Charles and the royal family from unnecessary drama.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward shared with People Magazine that Prince Andrew has been confiding in his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, about the situation. Both daughters, according to Seward, are standing by their father. Seward noted, “Despite Sarah Ferguson’s past missteps, she has a keen sense of how social dynamics unfold. She would have advised Andrew that staying away is the best course of action, and Beatrice likely supported her judgment.”
Reports claim that Prince Andrew had initially expressed a desire to attend the lunch, insisting to friends that he had every right to be there as it was a family occasion. However, as of late, royal officials remained uncertain about his final decision, highlighting the ongoing tension within the royal circle.
The Duke’s connection to the alleged Chinese spy has drawn further public scrutiny, especially since it overlaps with his legal battles stemming from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports indicate that the spy enjoyed an unusual level of access to Prince Andrew, even attending his 60th birthday celebration at Windsor Palace.
This isn’t the first time Prince Andrew has faced public backlash. Since his 2019 BBC interview addressing the Epstein scandal, his actions have remained under intense media and public scrutiny. Now, as allegations about his dealings with a suspected Chinese spy make headlines, the Duke’s reputation faces yet another blow.
Despite divorcing in 1997, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew have maintained a close relationship, cohabiting at the Royal Lodge and supporting each other through turbulent times. While Ferguson’s pragmatic stance on the current controversy may be aimed at damage control, it underscores the delicate balance the Duke must navigate within the royal family.
