Prince Andrew was urged to do “the gentlemanly thing” and “uninvite himself” from the Royal Family’s festivities this week and next, insiders have claimed.
The Duke of York has found himself in hot water again after details emerged of his alleged relationship with a Chinese businessman, known as H6, who has been banned from the UK over spying concerns.
Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with the accused businessman when concerns were first raised about him in a statement from his office on Friday.
But insiders have now claimed the disgraced duke, who stepped down as a working member of the Royal Family in 2019 over his ties to convicted paedophile Jefferey Epstein, is “under pressure” to step away from the festivities this year.
The royals are set to attend their annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday this week, while they’ll also walk to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
A source told the Sun: “There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations, and the King would not relish making his brother squirm.
“Andrew has managed the unthinkable and made a complete t*t of himself even before the Christmas party.
“It’s been a hell of a year for The Firm and the last thing they want is this scandal dragging on during a period of celebration.
“The thinking is he’s been foolish, but the more he keeps his head down, the sooner everyone can move on.”
Another insider told the outlet: “Andrew is under pressure to step away.”
The alleged Chinese spy is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York, with whom he was described in court as having formed an “unusual degree of trust.”
But on Friday, a statement from the duke’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from 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.”
Swiss
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