Prince Andrew attended Christmas in Sandringham in 2023 (Image: Getty)
in Sandringham, Norfolk this year, Prince Andrew is hoping to attend a pre-Christmas celebration at Buckingham Palace this week.On Thursday, more than 70 royals will gather for a festive Palace lunch, where will play host to wider members of the Royal Family. In previous years, Charles has staged the event at Windsor Castle.The decision comes amid ‘s recent controversy over Yang Tengbo, a 50-year-old businessman, was barred from the UK in 2023 because authorities felt he was likely to pose a threat to national security.Mr Yang was named after days of growing pressure from MPs demanding he should be identified following a court order that was issued to protect his anonymity.
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It is reported Andrew will not be at Sandringham this year for Christmas (Image: Getty)
On Friday, said he “ceased all contact” with the businessman. In a rare statement from his office, from officials.Andrew’s statement read: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG (His Majesty’s Government) and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”Meanwhile, Mr Yang insisted he has done “nothing wrong” and rejected allegations of being a spy as “entirely untrue”.In a statement, Yang said: “The widespread description of me as a spy is entirely untrue. I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West.”For Christmas celebrations, the Daily Mail reports the with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, whilst his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie spend the day with their in-laws.
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Even though is being urged to keep a low profile by critics, it is reported the duke has privately pledged to attend Thursday’s gathering at Buckingham Palace.The pre-Christmas lunch is expected to draw significant attention, with photographs of the extended Royal Family arriving likely to be published worldwide.As reported in The Sun, Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, believed Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson played a part in his decision, stating “She [Sarah Ferguson] would have said, ‘You can’t do this to your brother’.” She added: “Andrew can still go to Buckingham Palace for the lunch and try not to be seen driving in and out.”