Prince Andrew photographed today (Image: Kelvin Bruce)
has been pictured for the first time after his connections to an alleged Chinese spy, who has been barred from entering the UK over national security risks, came to light.Dressed casually and behind the wheel, the Duke of York was spotted driving his Range Rover in central London on the Windsor estate.The alleged spy, known only as ‘H6’, by then home secretary Suella Braverman after the Home Office said he was considered to have engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The case has been thrust back into the limelight after H6 argued his exclusion from the UK was unlawful and made an appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). Last week, the specialist tribunal in London upheld the ban and ruled that Ms Braverman had been “entitled to conclude” that he “represented a risk to the national security”.
It is not known precisely when the duke and H6 met, but a statement released by on Friday said the pair met through “official channels”.
, 64, “ceased all contact” with the businessman
A statement from the Duke of York’s office stated: “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.”
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Prince Andrew is no longer a working royal (Image: Getty)
According to , H6 visited Buckingham Palace twice as the Duke’s guest as well as attending events at St James’s Palace and Windsor Palace.H6 is also claimed to have met former Prime Ministers at a Downing Street reception and at a black tie event.Commenting on allegations that the Chinese spy became close to the Duke of York, former security minister Tom Tugendhat told Breakfast: “I can understand why it’s been about , but it’s not really about . It’s about the way the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to exert influence here in the United Kingdom.”He showed concern over the reach of the United Front Work Department, an arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which H6 is believed to have been associated with. He said: “They’re trying to influence individuals not just in the Royal Family but in academia, in politics, in business and even sometimes in journalism.”
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Meanwhile, H6 is contesting the decision and has been granted temporary anonymity while the High Court considers whether his identity should be made public.
The alleged targeting by an alleged Chinese influence operation is the latest controversy for , who is no longer a working royal.
since he resigned as a working and gave up his HRH titles in 2019 after his disastrous Newsnight interview with presenter Emily Maitlis. The prince’s popularity plummeted following the interview where he discussed his association with the late convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. It also follows the scrutiny of ‘s finances earlier this year when King Charles withdrew his financial support for his brother and the costs of running his home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, with a security bill costing several million pounds per year.
still attends family events and ceremonial occasions, but there have been reports is being encouraged to keep a low profile this Christmas and at Sandringham in Norfolk next week.