A Chinese national suspected of being a spy with ties to Prince Andrew has been barred from the U.K. due to concerns over national security. The British immigration tribunal upheld this decision, revealing that the individual had developed a close relationship with the prince, even being invited to his birthday party.
Government officials were worried about potential misuse of influence, as the prince was reportedly under significant pressure at the time. The Chinese national, believed to be working for the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, was seen as capable of creating relationships between Chinese officials and prominent figures in the U.K. for political interference purposes.
Prince Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, acknowledged the government's advice and cut off contact with the Chinese national once concerns were raised. His office stated that all interactions with the individual were through official channels and nothing sensitive was discussed.
Concerns have been raised about Prince Andrew's connections to wealthy foreigners, with fears that they may be attempting to gain access to the royal family. The prince's financial situation has been strained following his withdrawal from royal duties and public funding due to scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
British intelligence agencies have expressed growing worries about China's attempts to influence U.K. government policies. Recent incidents involving a British-Chinese lawyer and a parliamentary researcher have raised red flags about improper influence and sensitive information sharing.
The Chinese national in question, a former junior civil servant in China turned business advisor in the U.K., was granted residency in 2013. Despite not making the U.K. his permanent home, he spent a significant amount of time in the country and considered it his 'second home.'
Upon entering the U.K. in November 2021, the individual was stopped and asked to surrender his electronic devices. Authorities discovered a letter from a senior adviser to Prince Andrew, authorizing the Chinese national to act on behalf of the prince in dealings with potential partners and investors in China.
The letter emphasized the strength of the relationship between Andrew, his adviser, and the Chinese national, detailing how they navigated around certain individuals to facilitate interactions. The Chinese national was described as having a prominent position in the prince's circle, with access to his residence at the Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.
