Prince Andrew, brother of Charles III, is at the heart of an embarrassing new scandal over his links to a man suspected of spying for China.
The Duke of York, 64, long described as the favorite son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been in the headlines of the British media for three days, on Sunday Times judging that he had become “the worst distraction” for the king.
On Thursday, a London court validated the entry ban on the territory of a Chinese national, suspected of being engaged in “secret and deceptive activities” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
Nigel Farage's threats
Described as a “confidant” of Andrew, this 50-year-old man, identified only as “H6”, had been authorized to act on behalf of the prince with potential Chinese investors, and was even invited to his birthday in 2020.
Judges said the prince's situation left him “vulnerable”, raising questions about his role as a non-working member of the royal family.
This affair fuels the concerns of the British authorities about the extent of the activism of Beijing, which London regularly accuses of espionage. Especially since the Sunday Times publishes old photographs showing 'H6' alongside former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May.
Far-right party leader Nigel Farage has threatened to reveal his identity in the House of Commons, under a privilege granted to MPs.
“In disgrace” since the Epstein affair
But above all, these revelations have tarnished a little more the image of Prince Andrew, who “continues to fall into disgrace”, since he was splashed by the scandal of the Epstein affair, who died in 2019, according to the newspaper The Guardian.
The prince was accused of forced sex by an American woman in 2001 when she was a minor, “on loan” from Jeffrey Epstein. He has always denied the accusations and reached a financial agreement in 2022 to avoid a resounding trial.
An interview with the BBC in 2019 to defend himself turned into a disaster. Appearing arrogant and lacking in compassion, he had not expressed a single regret for his friendship with Epstein.
Less than 10% favorable opinions
Since then, he has hardly appeared in public and is the least liked member of the royal family, with 6% favorable opinions.
At the start of 2022, the Queen withdrew his military titles as well as his charitable sponsorships, a further humiliation for this former helicopter pilot, long presented as a hero of the Falklands War.
Charles III withdrew him from the role of “State Councilor” which gave him the right to replace him in the event of his absence or illness. And he suspended the allowance he paid to Andrew, which the prince used in particular to maintain his vast residence near Windsor Castle, according to the latest work by the famous biographer of the royal family, Robert Hardman.
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