Andrew was linked to an investigation into an alleged Chinese spy (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
An ex-Hong Kong governor has weighed in on the Prince Andrew espionage controversy, hinting that he may be a “victim” of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives.
The man in question, Chris Patten, who took the reins as the last governor in 1992 up until its handover to China in 1997, shared his take on the latest embroilment with scandal.
Last year threw into the spotlight over an investigation regarding an alleged plant referred to as ‘H6’, said to have cultivated an “unusual degree of trust” with the Duke, UK officials allege.
Accusations flew, claiming ‘H6’ was not only a “close confidant” of but had also wormed their way into being privy to his affairs. Yet, Mr Patten doesn’t seem convinced of Andrew’s wrongdoing.
Speaking to the Mail, he opined: “He is a hapless victim of United Front (Chinese Communist Party operatives) activity in this country”, and qualified his statements expressing doubt over Andrew’s possession of sensitive information: “I don’t think Andrew has large numbers of state secrets.”, reports .
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It was alleged that the individual was a “close confidant” of the Duke (Image: Getty Images)
The mysterious H6 turned out to be Yang Tengbo, a 50-year-old businessman, who urged that his anonymity be dismissed and claimed the accusations of espionage were “entirely untrue”.
Mr Yang, who set foot in the UK in 2002 and held director positions at five British firms, stoutly refuted any law-breaking, according to coverage.
The businessman has been barred from the UK, with a tribunal ruling that there was “sufficient” evidence to suggest he could pose a security risk. However, Mr Yang has stated his intention to appeal this decision.
said he “ceased all contact” with Mr Yang after receiving advice from the government, but did not specify when communication stopped. His office said they met “through official channels” and there was “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”.
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It follows a separate controversy involving Andrew’s tenancy of Royal Lodge (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
This follows another controversy surrounding Andrew’s tenancy of Royal Lodge, where it was previously believed that the Duke was struggling to cover the £30million manor’s annual upkeep costs of £400,000.
King Charles is said to have been caught up in a dispute with his brother over the tenancy, with the King reportedly encouraging Andrew to move to the more modest Frogmore Cottage.
It was later disclosed that Andrew had secured the necessary financial support from an unidentified source to stay in the property. The Times’ Royal editor Kate Mansey discussed this matter on an episode of The Royal Beat last year.
She revealed that Andrew has “assured” the Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Michael Stevens, that he has the “funds through legitimate means”, given previous “questions over where Andrew’s money comes from”.